RIte Care, RIte Share and Medical are all Medicaid programs offered in the state of Rhode Island to help families and individuals who cannot afford paying for their health insurance. To qualify, you must meet certain income qualifications that range from 69 percent up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. RIte Care is free to families with incomes up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Health insurance options in Rhode Island are generally limited to private insurance, group health insurance and several government-subsidized plans. In as much as Rhode Island's health insurance plans fall into these three categories, you may have a wide variety of options based on the insurance provider of your choose or, if you qualify for government programs, you may be eligible to receive discounted and in some cases free health insurance.

Services offered by Rhode Island Medical Assistance Programs include:

• Inpatient and outpatient hospital services
• Clinic and emergency room care
• Laboratory and x-rays services
• Prescription drugs
• Dental care
• Home care
• Emergency transportation (Ambulance)
• Mental health center services
• Drug abuse
• Nursing care
• Hospice care
• Organ transplant services

Unregistered aliens can only get emergency care.

Eligibility Requirements

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or legal alien residing in Rhode Island.

Income Requirements

• The beneficiary must be at least 18 years old, or a senior citizen, blind and disabled, receiving Supplemental Security Income, or have income below 100% FPL. Resources should not be more than $4,000 for singles or $6,000 for couples.
• Needs medical assistance and falling within the following recourse limit: Singles earning $800 per month with asset limit of $4,000, and couples earning $842 per month with asset limit of $6,000.
• If the income is at or above 100% FPL, beneficiaries' medical expenses can be subtracted from their income, making them eligible for Medical Assistance.

People with Disabilities

An adult with special needs is eligible for Medical assistance. However, documentation showing proof of disability may be required. These documents may include medical records or a letter from the physician. Other criteria that the applicant must meet are income and asset criteria. Income may not exceed 100% of the designated FDL.

Adult Supplemental Security Income Recipients

In Rhode Island, an adult who has been approved for supplemental security income through the Social Security Administration automatically qualifies to receive Medical benefits. Enrollment in Medical does not require a separate application. The SSA requires a proven disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Income must not exceed the designated limits; the total value of available resources must be less than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.

Children Who Receive SSI

A child under the age of 18 years old with suffering from severe functional limitations as a result of mental or physical illness may qualify for supplemental security income and automatic enrollment in Medical. The disability must be expected to last not less than 12 months or lead to death. The child's income and assets combined with that of any family members in the household, must not exceed limits as determined by the SSA.

Children With Disabilities

Disabled children who do not qualify for supplemental security income due to the parents' income and assets may still qualify for Medicaid benefits under the Katie Becket provision. The provision allows children with serious disabilities to receive Medical without regard to the income or assets of the parents. Eligibility for the waiver is determined by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and is based on the degree of the disability and the amount of care required.

Medicaid Application Instructions

Standard Application

1. To apply for this program, download and print an application from this website:
www.dhs.ri.gov/FormsApplications/FormsApplications/MedicalAssistanceApplication

2. Call your local DHS office during the normal working hours at (401) 462-5300 to set up an appointment.

A list of all DHS offices that serves your county can be gotten on this website by clicking here.

3. Remember to attach the following documents with your application form:

• Proof of current income
• Proof of pregnancy if pregnant from a doctor
• Proof of immigration status
• Proof of citizenship and identity

Telephone Application

You can request an application by calling (401) 462-5300, during regular business hours and an agent is always there to assist you with the application process.

Make sure you keenly follow all of the application instructions, sign your application, and submit all requested additional documentation.

Note: If you have questions, would like to request an application, or need further assistance, contact the Rhode Island Rite Care Program at 401-462-5300 or visit their website: www.dhs.ri.gov/default.aspx.