Adults (ages 19-64)
Medicaid benefits are an important tool to help you stay healthy. These benefits cover a range of health services. Learn more about healthcare services covered by Medicaid.
There are different types of Medicaid, and your Medicaid type may be different from the type of Medicaid someone else gets. You’ll see the type of Medicaid you have on your Benefits Decision Notice (BDN).
You may have:
Medicaid for adults who do not have disabilities
If you are between the ages of 19 and –64 and do not have a disability, you can get Medicaid if your income is low enough. The State does not consider your assets, such as your bank accounts or any property you own, when determining if you are eligible for Medicaid. Your household income must meet certain criteria. Sometimes, you may hear this Medicaid type called modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) Medicaid.
Medicaid for adults who have disabilities
If you are an adult who has a disability, you may be eligible for a different Medicaid type. In most cases, disabled adults can get Medicaid only if both their income and assets are low enough. If you work and have disabilities, you may be able to get coverage even if you have higher assets. Learn more about Medicaid for individuals with disabilities.
If you are enrolled in Medicare or get Medicaid long-term care, you have different health plan options. Learn more about your health plan options.
Health Plan Choices for Adults Who Do Not Have Disabilities
Most Rhode Island adults who get Medicaid enroll in a managed care Medicaid plan. You can choose to get health coverage from one of three managed care organizations (MCOs). A managed care organization may also be known as a health plan or health insurer. The three MCOs that provide Medicaid health plans in Rhode Island are:
Rhode Island’s Medicaid program has a contract with each of these MCOs. You can select an MCO for your Medicaid benefits by logging in to your HealthyRhode account.
Once you choose your Medicaid health plan, they will send you an insurance card. Take this card with you when you visit a healthcare provider. Your MCO will pay your healthcare provider, and you won’t have to pay any co-pays or other costs.
Some MCOs may cover extra services that Medicaid does not require them to cover. Contact your MCO to learn more about the services your health plan covers.
Premium Assistance to Help You Pay for Health Insurance Through an Employer
RIte Share is Rhode Island's Premium Assistance Program that can help you pay for your employer's health insurance plan. The State will pay all or part of the cost for employee health insurance coverage, as well as your deductibles, coinsurance, and any services covered by Medicaid but not by your employer coverage. Learn more about RIte Share.
Other Services to Help Keep You Healthy
You may be eligible for other services that can help you stay healthy. These programs include:
Dental services for adults
Adults who receive Medicaid benefits have access to dental services. Managed care organizations do not cover dental services. These benefits are separate from your health plan. Learn more about covered dental benefits for adults with Medicaid.
You can find a dentist who may accept new Medicaid patients by searching the provider portal. You can also seek dental care at one of the state’s free or low-cost dental care facilities.
Adults who have Medicaid and live in a nursing home may be able to get dental care through CareLink Mobile Dentistry.
RIte Smiles for young adults
RIte Smiles is a dental managed care plan for children and adults born after May 1, 2000. Adults born before May 1, 2000, can get dental services paid directly by Medicaid. Learn more about RIte Smiles.
Home and community-based services
If you need personal care, homemaker, or other long-term care services at home, you may be eligible for long-term services and supports (LTSS). Medicaid can pay for LTSS in your home or in other settings, including a nursing home. Visit MyOptionsRI to learn more about long-term services and supports.