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Rhode Island Medicaid Application Guide

Rhode Island Medicaid · DHS-2

Content verified 2026-07-17T17:44:10.143Z

Program overview

Medicaid is a program that offers free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income and resources. If you qualify, you can enroll in Medicaid at any time. Rhode Island embraced the provision to expand Medicaid in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Federal funding covered the full cost of expansion through 2016, after which the state began to pay part of the cost.

Adults with income up to 138% of poverty, pregnant women with income up to 253% of poverty, and children with incomes up to 261% of poverty are eligible for Rhode Island Medicaid. Medicaid covers low-income adults, children, seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, children in foster care and former foster youth up to age 26. You must be a resident of Rhode Island to apply and be able to prove that you are a citizen or a legally present non-citizen who is in a status that qualifies you for publicly funded health coverage.

Rhode Island Medicaid provides comprehensive healthcare coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, preventive services, mental health and substance abuse treatment, and long-term care services. In Rhode Island, we offer plans from Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, Tufts Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare and RIte Smiles. Rhode Island uses a Medicaid managed care model to provide coverage. RIte Care and Rhody Health Partners (UnitedHealthcare) are the managed care programs in the state. RIte Care is for pregnant women and children, and utilizes UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New England, Tufts, or Neighborhood Health Plan of RI to provide coverage.

When applying for Rhode Island Medicaid, fill out applications as honestly and completely as possible. Depending on the benefit(s) or program(s) you are applying for, additional documentation may be needed such as proof of identity, income, assets/resources and expenses. In Rhode Island (and most other states), the application process involves a 60 month (5 years) "Lookback Rule," which means that the state will review any transfers or gifts given within five years of your application and take those into account for long-term care applicants. Approval typically takes several weeks, and you'll receive notification from DHS regarding your application status.

Main application form

Application for Assistance

Form DHS-2

Download form

Additional forms

  • Medicaid LTSS Application ·

    For determining eligibility for Medicaid Long Term Care or Long Term Services and Supports

    Download form →

  • HealthSource RI Application ·

    Health coverage application for Medicaid and private insurance with financial help

    Download form →

Where to submit

Mail completed applications to: RI Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920-8787. Applications can also be submitted in person at secure drop boxes at any DHS regional office.

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Rhode Island Medicaid provides free or low-cost healthcare coverage for eligible residents. You can apply online at HealthyRhode dot R-I dot gov, by phone at 8-5-5-8-4-0-4-7-7-4, or using paper form DHS-2. Eligibility includes adults up to 138% of poverty level, pregnant women up to 253% of poverty, children up to 261% of poverty, seniors, and people with disabilities. You'll need identification, Social Security cards, proof of residency, income verification, and bank statements. The state expanded Medicaid in 2014, covering over 300,000 Rhode Islanders. Applications are processed by the Department of Human Services, with coverage through managed care plans including Neighborhood Health Plan, Tufts, and UnitedHealthcare. Apply anytime - there's no enrollment period for Medicaid.

Official resources

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Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for Rhode Island Medicaid in Rhode Island?

To apply for Rhode Island Medicaid in Rhode Island, complete Application for Assistance (DHS-2), then submit it to Mail completed applications to: RI Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920-8787. Applications can also be submitted in person at secure drop boxes at any DHS regional office..

What documents do I need to apply for Rhode Island Medicaid in Rhode Island?

You typically need to provide: Photo identification (driver's license, state ID card, or passport), Social Security cards for all household members, Proof of Rhode Island residency (utility bills, lease agreement, or bank statements), Income verification (pay stubs, unemployment benefits, Social Security statements), Bank statements and financial account information, Immigration documents (if applicable), Medical records or disability documentation (if applicable), Health insurance information (current or previous coverage), Tax returns or tax transcripts (most recent year), Proof of pregnancy (if applicable), Birth certificates for all household members, Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable).

Where do I submit my Rhode Island Medicaid application in Rhode Island?

Submit your completed Rhode Island Medicaid application to Mail completed applications to: RI Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920-8787. Applications can also be submitted in person at secure drop boxes at any DHS regional office..

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Our team compiles this listing from public records and provider data, and reviews it against authoritative sources. Read our editorial standards and research methodology.