Medicaid Updates
The Federal government recently passed new laws that will affect Medicaid, SNAP, and HealthSource RI in the future. Right now, Rhode Island is reviewing these new laws. We will have to make some changes to our local programs to follow these new laws. A few updates will start next year, but most will happen later.
If you are enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, or HealthSource RI, there's nothing you need to do right now. The State will contact you about any changes before they go into effect.
If you'd like to learn about how Rhode Island is planning for these changes, click here to learn about our Federal Compliance Advisory Group.
Please check back here for updates.
FAQs
Below are answers to questions you may have about future changes to Medicaid.
If you're between 19 and 64 years old, the new law means:
- Your Medicaid eligibility will be checked every 6 months
- You may need to meet work or volunteer requirements or qualify for an exemption
- Some Medicaid services may cost you money
The law also updates which immigration statuses qualify for Medicaid. Please see the FAQ “What about changes to coverage for certain people without citizenship?” for more information.
There are no current changes to the kinds of services Medicaid covers.
For Medicaid, the earliest changes will start in the Fall of 2026. Most of the changes will happen later. We will share more information as it gets closer.
Please make sure your contact information is correct. The State of Rhode Island must have your current contact information, including address, mobile phone, and email to ensure you get important notices, texts, and emails.
If you moved or changed your contact information and have not updated it with the State, please contact us to provide your current mailing address, phone number, and email. You should also let us know if your employment status changes. Click here to learn about how you can update your information.
Since nothing is changing right now, Medicaid members should continue to:
- Fill prescription medications.
- Schedule and go to health care appointments.
- Access any programs or services through Medicaid.
The State will communicate directly to members and work with local organizations to help with outreach before making any changes. We will continue to send out updates to members and our partners as we have more details about specific changes and timelines.
Yes. Medicaid members should continue to schedule and go to health care appointments and other covered services and fill prescriptions.
The new law will stop Medicaid for some people without citizenship starting in the Fall of 2026. One thing we already know is that children and pregnant people will still have coverage. We are still looking into what this will mean for Rhode Islanders who are non-pregnant adults. Medicaid will continue to cover emergency care regardless of immigration status. We will be in touch before any changes take place and when we have more detail.