Rhode Island
Medicare help in Rhode Island
Free, unbiased counseling, help paying premiums and drug costs, how to check an agent before you talk to one, and the Rhode Island rules that affect your Medigap choices.
Free counseling
SHIP
Rhode Island State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is Rhode Island's State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Trained counselors answer Medicare questions, compare plans with you and help you apply for savings programs, at no cost. They don't sell insurance.
Help paying for Medicare in Rhode Island
If your income and savings are limited, these programs can lower your premiums and drug costs. Many people who qualify never apply.
Medicare Savings Programs
Rhode Island Medicaid runs Rhode Island's Medicare Savings Programs. They pay your Part B premium, and the fullest one (QMB) also pays Part A premiums, deductibles and copays. You don't need to qualify for full Medicaid.
The 2026 federal minimum limits: income up to $1,350 a month single or $1,824 married for full help (QMB), or up to $1,816 single or $2,455 married for help with the Part B premium, and savings up to $9,950 single or $14,910 married. Your home and one car don't count. States can be more generous.
Since February 1, 2026, Rhode Island allows more income than the federal minimum: up to 125% of the federal poverty level for full help (QMB) and up to 168% for help with the Part B premium (QI). Rhode Island calls these programs the Medicare Premium Payment Program.
Extra Help with drug costs
Extra Help is a federal program, run by Social Security, that lowers Part D premiums, deductibles and copays. In 2026 you may qualify with income up to $23,940 a year single or $32,460 married, and resources up to $18,090 single or $36,100 married. If you get a Medicare Savings Program, Medicaid or SSI, you get Extra Help automatically. Apply with Social Security.
Rhode Island drug assistance program
RIPAE (Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to Elders)
Who qualifies: Rhode Island residents 65 or older, or 55 to 64 with a disability. Your income sets your level.
What it pays: Part of the cost of approved drugs you buy while meeting your Part D deductible.
Call 401-462-0560
Sources: Medicaid.gov state contacts, Rhode Island's own Medicaid pages and Medicare.gov's state program list, checked October 27, 2026. Limits change every year; confirm with Rhode Island Medicaid before you apply. How Extra Help and savings programs work.
Check an agent's license in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division licenses insurance agents in Rhode Island. Before you share personal information, look the agent up by name or National Producer Number (NPN) and make sure their license is active and includes health insurance.
Medigap rules in Rhode Island
Switching plans later
Rhode Island gives people who already have Medigap a way to switch without health questions: During Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7), for coverage starting January 1, if you've had no gap over 90 days. Any plan.
If you're under 65
Insurers in Rhode Island must offer Medigap to people under 65 who have Medicare. Plans and prices can be limited. More on Medigap under 65.
Source: NAIC state Medigap chart, May 11, 2026. Confirm with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division before changing coverage.
Dates that apply everywhere
- October 15 to December 7: Open Enrollment, when you can change Medicare Advantage and drug plans. All enrollment periods
- January 1 to March 31: people in Medicare Advantage can switch plans or go back to Original Medicare once.
- Around your 65th birthday: your 7-month window to sign up. Turning 65
Common questions in Rhode Island
Where can I get free Medicare help in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is Rhode Island's State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Its counselors help with Medicare questions for free and don't sell insurance. Call 1-888-884-8721.
How do I check a Medicare agent's license in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division licenses insurance agents. Use its license lookup to search by the agent's name or National Producer Number (NPN), or call 401-462-9520.
How do I get help paying Medicare premiums in Rhode Island?
Apply for a Medicare Savings Program through Rhode Island Medicaid (1-855-840-4774). These programs pay your Part B premium, and sometimes your deductibles and copays. Since February 1, 2026, Rhode Island allows more income than the federal minimum: up to 125% of the federal poverty level for full help (QMB) and up to 168% for help with the Part B premium (QI). Rhode Island's free SHIP counselors (1-888-884-8721) can help you apply.
Does Rhode Island help pay for prescriptions?
Rhode Island has a state drug assistance program: RIPAE (Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to Elders). Extra Help, a federal program run by Social Security, also lowers Part D premiums and copays for people with limited income.
Does Rhode Island have a Medigap birthday rule?
Rhode Island gives people who already have Medigap a way to switch plans without health questions: During Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7), for coverage starting January 1, if you've had no gap over 90 days. Any plan.
Can I buy Medigap under 65 in Rhode Island?
Insurers in Rhode Island must offer Medigap to people under 65 who have Medicare. Plans and prices can be limited.
State contacts checked against official Rhode Island sites on October 26, 2026. General information, not advice about a specific plan. How we check facts.