Changes to Retroactive Medicaid (Coverage for Past Medical Bills)

Starting in 2027, the amount of time Medicaid can cover medical bills from before your application date will change. This is sometimes called “retroactive coverage”.

Federal rules currently allow Medicaid to pay for medical bills from up to three months before someone applies.

In Rhode Island today, coverage for past medical bills is only available to:

• People with disabilities
• Adults age 65 and older
• People applying for long term services and supports (LTSS), including through the Katie Beckett pathway
• Pregnant people
• Infants under age 1

What’s changing

A new federal requirement will change how far back Medicaid can cover medical bills. Starting in 2027, coverage can go back up to 2 months before enrollment.