Benefits for seniors in Rhode Island

Medicaid for people 65 and over

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) runs Medicaid. The Department of Human Services (DHS) takes applications. People 65 and over can qualify in three main ways:

• You get SSI. If you get Supplemental Security Income, you get Medicaid automatically.
• Your income is low. Your income is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, the poverty guideline for one person is $15,960 a year. Your countable resources (savings, bank accounts and similar) must be under $4,000 for one person or $6,000 for a married couple.
• Spend down. If your income is too high but you have large medical bills, the state can subtract those bills from your income over a six-month period.

Medicaid can also pay for care in the three months before you applied, if you ask on the application.

Long-term care Medicaid

Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) pay for nursing home care or care at home. You must meet financial rules and a "level of care" test. Your resources must be under $4,000. Home equity above $752,000 can block eligibility.

• In a nursing home, you keep $75 a month for personal needs. Most of the rest of your income goes toward your care.
• At home, you can keep income up to 300% of the federal SSI payment for living costs. Income above that goes toward your care.
• If you are married, your spouse at home can keep between $32,532 and $162,660 of your shared resources. Your spouse may also get part of your income, so their own income reaches at least $2,705 a month (up to $4,066.50).

Estate recovery: Rhode Island can recover Medicaid costs paid from age 55 onward from your estate after you die. It does not do this while a spouse, a child under 21, or a blind or disabled child survives you.

Help paying Medicare costs

Rhode Island calls its Medicare Savings Programs the Medicare Premium Payment Program (MPPP). State income disregards raise the limits to about 125% of the poverty level for QMB and 168% for QI.

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Pays your Part A and Part B premiums, plus deductibles and copays. Monthly income up to $1,683 for one person or $2,275 for a couple.
• QI (Qualified Individual): Pays your Part B premium only. Monthly income up to $2,255 for one person or $3,050 for a couple. Funding is limited and goes first come, first served.
• SLMB: Since February 1, 2026, people who would have fit SLMB are placed in QMB instead.

Resource limit: $9,950 for one person or $14,910 for a couple. If you get any of these programs, you also get Extra Help with Part D drug costs automatically.

Prescription drug help

RIPAE (Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to Elders) pays part of the cost of approved medicines while you are in the deductible stage of your Part D plan. Your level depends on your yearly income in 2026:

• Level 1: Income under $39,002 (single) or $50,319 (married). RIPAE pays 60% of the cost. You also get free access to state beaches.
• Level 2: Income a little higher. RIPAE pays 30%.
• Level 3: Income up to $85,848 (single) or $97,928 (married). RIPAE pays 15%.
• Level 4: For people 55 to 64 with a disability. RIPAE pays 15%.

If your income and savings are low enough for Extra Help, you must apply for it too. Extra Help cuts drug copays to $5.10 for generics and $12.65 for brand-name drugs. RIPAE questions: Office of Healthy Aging, 401-462-0560.

Extra state payment with SSI

Rhode Island pays a State Supplemental Payment (SSP) on top of federal SSI.

• Living in your own home: $39.92 a month for one person, or $79.38 for a couple. DHS pays this.
• Assisted living: up to $332 a month for one person, depending on your income. Social Security pays this one.

The federal SSI payment in 2026 is $994 a month for one person.

Food help

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps you buy groceries.

• Simple form for older adults: If everyone in your household is 65 or older or disabled and no one has earnings from work, you can use the shorter Elderly and Simplified Application (ESAP).
• Work rules: Since July 2025, federal SNAP time limits can apply to adults up to age 64 without dependents, unless an exception applies. People 65 and over are not covered by this rule.
• Apply: Online at healthyrhode.ri.gov, or call DHS at 1-855-697-4347.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: If you are 60 or older and your income is up to $29,526 a year for one person ($40,034 for two), you can get a $50 card for fresh produce, herbs and honey at farmers markets. Cards are handed out at senior centers starting in early June. Questions: 401-222-4700.

Help staying at home

• Medicaid home and community-based care: If you qualify for Medicaid LTSS, you can get personal care, homemaker services, meals, adult day care, respite, an emergency response button, home changes and assisted living. You can also direct your own care. Call the DHS Long-Term Care office at 401-574-8474.
• At HOME Cost Share: For people 65 and over (or ages 19 to 64 with Alzheimer's or a related dementia) who do not qualify for Medicaid. Income must be under 250% of the poverty level: in 2026, $39,900 a year for one person or $54,100 for a couple. There is no asset limit. With income under $19,950 (single), you pay $4.50 an hour for home care or $7 a day for adult day. Above that, you pay $7.50 an hour or $15 a day. Call The POINT at 401-462-4444.
• PACE: For people 55 and over who can live safely at home in a service area. Centers are in Providence, Woonsocket and Westerly. It covers medical care, day programs, home care, medicines and rides. Enrollment: 401-490-6566.

Property tax and housing help

Property tax relief credit (Form RI-1040H): If you are 65 or older or get Social Security disability, and your household income is $40,730 or less, you can get a credit of up to $700. These figures are for tax year 2025, filed in 2026. You can get it even if you owe no income tax.

• Homeowners use the property tax they paid.
• Renters count 20% of the rent they paid. Attach your lease or three rent receipts.
• You must have lived in Rhode Island all year. The 2025 claim was due April 15, 2026.

Many cities and towns also give their own property tax exemptions to older residents. The amounts differ by town. Ask your local tax assessor.

Help with energy bills

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps pay heating bills. Your income must be at or below 60% of state median income. For the season that began October 1, 2026, that is about $43,410 a year for one person or $56,767 for two. You do not need an unpaid bill, and renters can apply.

Apply through your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency, usually from September through May. If you are older or disabled, the CAP agency can set up a nearby place for you to apply. You can also apply through the DHS portal or call 1-855-697-4347.

Shutoff protection: If every adult in your home is 62 or older, or someone is disabled or seriously ill, the utility needs state approval before shutting off your gas or electric service. Tell your utility and fill out its protection form. From November 1 to May 1, extra winter protections apply.

Free help and counseling

• The POINT / Aging and Disability Resource Center: 401-462-4444, open 24/7. Free help for people 55 and over, people with disabilities and caregivers. Website: myoptions.ri.gov.
• Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP): 1-888-884-8721 (TTY 401-462-0740). Free counselors can review your Medicare and Part D choices, especially during Open Enrollment from October 15 to December 7.
• Office of Healthy Aging (state aging department): 401-462-3000 (TTY 401-462-0740), 25 Howard Ave, Building 57, Cranston, RI 02920. Website: oha.ri.gov.

How to apply

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Rhode Island agencies

Check what you may qualify for