Rhode Island

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The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Rhode Island. If you currently have health insurance or have just lost health insurance coverage within the past 60 days, visit the health insurance section of our Web site for options available to you. 

Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Insurance Division - (401) 222-2223
In general, Rhode Island residents can be turned down for individual health insurance policies based on their health status. However, if you have had prior health insurance coverage during the previous 12 months, without any gap in coverage, you must be offered an individual health insurance policy regardless of any health conditions you may have. In addition, HIPAA-eligible individuals cannot be turned down for an individual health insurance policy because of their health status. Please remember that in Rhode Island, you can never be turned down for health insurance coverage that is offered through your employer.

Self-employed individuals with no employees cannot purchase a small group health plan in Rhode Island. However, Blue Cross Blue Shield does offer some small group policies to people who are self-employed. Contact Blue Cross Blue Shield at (800) 639-2227 for more information.

If you are having a problem with your health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Insurance Division. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

Rhode Island Medicaid programs - (401) 462-5300

• RIte Care - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (401) 462-1300 or (401)462-1500 (Spanish).
  RIte Care is the children’s health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens up to age 19 as well as pregnant women and parents whose families may not be able to afford health insurance. To find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines.
• RIte Share - Health insurance premium assistance program - (401) 462-1300 or (401) 462-1500 (Spanish).
  RIte Share is a program designed to assist working families pay for the monthly health insurance premium on the coverage that their (or their spouse’s) employer provides. Co-payments are also paid for by RIte Share. Eligibility rules apply. Please contact RIte Share for more information and to apply.

If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.

Having trouble finding or keeping adequate or affordable health insurance coverage? Become a diabetes advocate!