Health Insurance in Rhode Island

Find plans and explore healthcare options in the Ocean State.

Understanding Rhode Island's Healthcare System

Rhode Island manages its health insurance landscape proactively through its own state-based marketplace, **HealthSource RI** (HealthSourceRI.com). This platform allows residents to compare and enroll in private health insurance plans and access federal financial assistance. Rhode Island embraced the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by expanding its Medicaid program (often accessed through **RIte Care** for families and children) and implemented its own **state individual mandate**, requiring residents to maintain qualifying health coverage or face a state tax penalty. Additionally, Rhode Island effectively **prohibits the sale of traditional short-term health insurance plans** due to strict state regulations.

Navigating health insurance in Rhode Island means utilizing HealthSource RI as the central hub for obtaining private coverage with subsidies or applying for Medicaid/CHIP (RIte Care). The state mandate reinforces the importance of securing coverage. Understanding these components helps residents make informed decisions and comply with state law.

Leveraging HealthSource RI's typically extended Open Enrollment period and available financial aid is key to finding affordable, comprehensive coverage. Use our free tools to get an instant quote or evaluate local market rates for plans available through HealthSource RI.

Map of Rhode Island highlighting healthcare

Rhode Island Health Insurance Coverage ()

Employer

~56%

Non-Group

~7%

Medicaid/CHIP (RIte Care)

~25%

Medicare

~18%

Military

~1%

Uninsured

~3.5%

Source: Approximate percentages based on KFF analysis of 2023 ACS data. Note: Categories may overlap; percentages may not sum exactly to 100%.

Rhode Island Health Facts at a Glance

Overall Health Ranking

#9

Est. Population (2025)

~1.1 M

Avg. Lifespan

~78.5 yrs

Avg. Hospital Stay / Day

~$3,300+

Avg. Health Expenditure / Person

$11,694*

Number of Hospitals

~13

*Avg. Health Expenditure per capita (KFF, 2020 data). Other stats based on most recent available data (2021-2025) - All stats are illustrative and need updating.

Health Insurance Programs for Rhode Island Residents

Rhode Island provides comprehensive health coverage options through its state marketplace and public programs:

  • HealthSource RI (HealthSourceRI.com): Rhode Island's official state-based health insurance marketplace. This is the single portal for individuals and families to compare and enroll in private health plans and the only place to access federal financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) to lower costs. It also facilitates applications for Medicaid/RIte Care.
  • Rhode Island Medicaid / RIte Care: The state's Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), providing free or low-cost comprehensive health coverage to eligible children, pregnant individuals, parents/caretakers, adults (under the ACA expansion), seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • Medicare: The federal insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, and younger people with qualifying disabilities.
  • Patient Assistance Programs: Various programs may assist eligible individuals with prescription drug costs.

These programs, combined with employer coverage and supported by the state mandate, contribute to Rhode Island's high rate of insurance coverage.

Rhode Island Short-Term Health Insurance

Important Note: The sale of new Short-Term Health Insurance plans is BANNED in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island state regulations require all state-regulated health plans, including short-term plans, to meet comprehensive benefit standards (including coverage for essential health benefits and pre-existing conditions) and be guaranteed renewable. Because standard short-term, limited-duration plans do not meet these requirements, they are effectively prohibited and not offered for sale in the state.

Residents of Rhode Island needing health coverage must choose ACA-compliant options available through HealthSource RI, Medicaid/RIte Care, employer-sponsored plans, or Medicare. Short-term health insurance is not a valid option.

Finding Health Coverage In Rhode Island

Securing health insurance is required by state law in Rhode Island and crucial for accessing care. HealthSource RI serves as the central point for exploring individual and family coverage options and financial assistance.

Rhode Island Open Enrollment via HealthSource RI

Open Enrollment for individual and family health plans in Rhode Island occurs through the state's official marketplace, **HealthSource RI (HealthSourceRI.com)**. Rhode Island typically offers an extended Open Enrollment period, often running from **November 1st through January 31st**. Please verify the exact dates on the HealthSource RI website each year. Enrolling during this time is generally required unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event. HealthSource RI is the only place to access federal subsidies for private plans. Applications for Medicaid/RIte Care can be submitted year-round.

Rhode Island Health Insurance Quotes & Costs

ACA-compliant private health plans are available through **HealthSource RI (HealthSourceRI.com)**. This is the exclusive source for Rhode Islanders to obtain federal financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) that can significantly lower the cost of coverage for eligible individuals and families. Comparing plans from carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of RI and Neighborhood Health Plan of RI based on premiums (after subsidies), deductibles, networks, and benefits is essential. Our free quoting service helps explore options available via HealthSource RI. Enter your zip code to compare plans and connect with certified Navigators or brokers for free enrollment help.

Major Health Insurance Providers in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's individual health insurance marketplace, HealthSource RI, typically features plans from two primary carriers:

  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI)
  • Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (NHPRI)

While carrier choice is limited compared to larger states, both insurers offer a range of plan options (Bronze, Silver, Gold levels) across the state.

It's crucial to carefully compare the specific plans, provider networks, and costs offered by BCBSRI and NHPRI on the HealthSource RI platform. Free, expert help is available through HealthSource RI to assist with plan selection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance Rhode Island

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in Rhode Island?

**Yes, Rhode Island has a state individual mandate** requiring residents to maintain minimum essential health coverage throughout the year. If you or your dependents lack qualifying coverage and do not receive an exemption, you will be subject to a **state tax penalty** when filing your Rhode Island state income tax return. The penalty is calculated based on income and family size, similar to the former federal penalty.

What's the Cost of Health Insurance in Rhode Island?

Costs for private health insurance vary based on age, location, plan choice, family size, and tobacco use. Significant financial assistance is available exclusively through **HealthSource RI (HealthSourceRI.com)**. Eligible residents can receive federal premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions to lower premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, **Medicaid/RIte Care** offers free or very low-cost coverage for those who qualify based on income. Many Rhode Islanders can find highly affordable coverage options. Use the tools on HealthSourceRI.com or our free estimate tool to explore potential costs.

How to Secure Health Insurance in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island residents can get health coverage primarily through:

  • Employer-Sponsored Plans: Coverage provided through work.
  • HealthSource RI (HealthSourceRI.com): The official state marketplace to compare and enroll in private individual/family plans and access federal financial help. Also serves as an application point for Medicaid/RIte Care. Enroll during Open Enrollment (typically Nov 1 - Jan 31) or SEP.
  • Medicaid / RIte Care: Free or low-cost coverage for eligible residents. Apply year-round via HealthSource RI or the RI Department of Human Services.
  • Medicare: Federal program for those 65+ or with certain disabilities.
  • Directly from Insurance Companies: Less common for individual plans; no financial help available.
  • Short-Term Plans are BANNED: Not a legal option in Rhode Island.
Free enrollment assistance is available through HealthSource RI Navigators and certified brokers.

The Impact of Obamacare on Rhode Island Insurance Rates

The ACA (Obamacare) prompted Rhode Island to establish its own state marketplace, **HealthSource RI**, and fully implement **Medicaid expansion**. The state also later enacted its own **individual mandate** to stabilize the market after the federal penalty was zeroed out. These actions, combined with the availability of federal subsidies through HealthSource RI, have significantly decreased the uninsured rate and improved access to comprehensive, affordable coverage options compared to the pre-ACA era. Rhode Island's proactive approach has resulted in one of the lowest uninsured rates in the nation. The state's ban on short-term plans further reinforces the focus on quality, comprehensive coverage.

Bottom Line

Navigating health insurance in Rhode Island involves using HealthSource RI (HealthSourceRI.com) as the central portal for private plans, federal subsidies, and applications for Medicaid/RIte Care. Remember the state mandate requires coverage, and short-term plans are banned. Compare plans from BCBSRI and NHPRI during the extended Open Enrollment period (Nov 1 - Jan 31). Utilize the free assistance available through HealthSource RI Navigators and brokers. Our quote tool or estimate tool can help you explore plan options and costs to ensure compliance with the state mandate and secure the best coverage for your needs in Rhode Island.