Changes to Medicaid Eligibility for Non-Citizens
New federal laws will stop Medicaid for some people who are not U.S. citizens. Starting October 1, 2026, only the following groups of non-citizens will be eligible for Medicaid:
- Lawfully permanent residents (Green Card holders) after the five-year wait, if it applies;
- Cuban/Haitian entrants;
- COFA migrants (i.e. people from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau);
- Children under 19; and
- Pregnant or post-partum people
How will I know if this change will affect my Medicaid?
If your Medicaid will end because of this new federal law, the State of Rhode Island will tell you before the change happens. Open any notices you get from the State of Rhode Island. You will get a notice:
- In your HealthyRhode account
- And by mail, if you choose paper notices
If you don’t respond, or are no longer eligible because of your immigration status, you will get another notice. The notice will include:
- Other ways you can get healthcare
- Information on how to appeal if you think the decision is wrong
What should I do now?
Update your Medicaid account information. If your immigration status has recently changed and you are now in one of the groups listed above who will still qualify, update your HealthyRhode account right away so your Medicaid can continue. You should also make sure Medicaid has your contact information, so you don’t miss important news about your coverage. Learn more about how to update your Medicaid account information.
Community organizations near you can help you update your account information and understand these changes. Find a helpful community organization near you, or call 211.
If I lose my Medicaid, can I get health insurance another way?
You can still buy a health insurance plan for you or your family, but you may not be able to get financial help because of federal changes.
- Look at your options and apply at HealthSourceRI.com or call 1‑855‑840‑4774.
- You can also explore health insurance options through your job or a parent or spouse’s job, and you may find you are able to purchase coverage directly through an insurance carrier like Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island or Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
If I lose my Medicaid, how can I get healthcare?
There are places you can go to get healthcare no matter your insurance or immigration status.
- Community Health Centers in Rhode Island: rihca.org
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics: bhddh.ri.gov/CCBHC
- Rhode Island Free Clinic: rifreeclinic.org
- Clinica Esperanza: aplacetobehealthy.org
- Local hospitals are required by law to give emergency medical care for serious or life‑threatening problems, no matter your insurance or immigration status.
More Information & Shareable Resources
Download and share this information as a flyer: English (Additional translations are forthcoming)
Download and share answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs): English (Additional translations are forthcoming)
Partners and providers:
- Help your clients and patients understand if they will be impacted by these changes and share information about other health insurance and health care options. Download our screener tool and resource guide: English (Additional translations are forthcoming)
- Notices will be mailed and emailed to non-citizens who will be impacted by these changes starting July.
- View a sample of the notice and text message going to non-citizens in July: English | Spanish | Portuguese (Additional translations are forthcoming)
- Understand the timeline of notices that will be going out between July and October 2026: English (Additional translations are forthcoming)