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Rhode Island · checked September 2026
How Rhode Island helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
Yes, for the care. Medicaid LTSS Home and Community-Based Services (RI Comprehensive 1115 Waiver) and SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Program help pay for care in assisted living.
Rhode Island's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
Ask the state Medicaid office
Confirm the current income limit, and whether your parent would need to pay part of the cost of care, with the state Medicaid office.
$4,000
2026
Countable resources for an individual. Stated on the DHS eligibility page.
We couldn't confirm whether this state uses a Miller trust or a spend-down. Ask the Medicaid office or an elder law attorney.
Apply for Rhode Island Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)
Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS); applications handled by the RI Department of Human Services (DHS)
Rhode Island Medicaid can pay for care at home or in an assisted living residence for people who need help with daily activities, including some who do not need a nursing home. Services include assisted living, personal care, homemaker help, adult day, respite and self-directed care. Medicaid does not pay rent and meals in assisted living.
Waitlist: No waitlist information found on DHS or EOHHS pages.
For people 65+ or adults with disabilities with gross income under $1,212 a month and assets under $2,000 who live in assisted living. It increases the SSI check to help cover room and board. Start by contacting The Point.
A Medicaid long-term care option that provides all medical care and support services through one team, usually built around a day center, so an older adult can keep living in the community.
The SSI Enhanced Assisted Living Program adds to the SSI payment to help cover room and board in assisted living for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities (income under $1,212 a month, assets under $2,000). Ask the Office of Healthy Aging for the current amount.
PACE provides all medical and long-term care for people 55+ who need nursing-home-level care but can live in the community. Programs in Rhode Island:
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
The state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
You don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
24/7 (OHA says call anytime)
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
Help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors and scams.
In Rhode Island, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Residence. Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Confirm a community's license here, and ask the agency how to see its inspection reports.
File a complaint
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
Can a family member be paid to provide care?
People on Medicaid LTSS can choose self-directed care: the state sets a budget for approved services and a fiscal agency handles payments, so the person can hire their own caregiver. Ask The Point or DHS whether a family member can be hired in your situation.
Free or low-cost short breaks for unpaid family caregivers of an older adult or a person with disabilities. Cost is on a sliding scale by income.
Helps pay for in-home help and adult day programs for people 65+, and for younger adults with dementia, with income up to 250% of the poverty level and no asset limit. You pay part of the cost.
The Office of Healthy Aging connects families living with dementia to programs and care planning through the Aging and Disability Resource Center.
A state program for people 65+ who don't qualify for Medicaid. It helps pay for home care (personal care, housekeeping, meals) and adult day, with income up to 250% of the poverty level and no asset limit.
Pays part of the cost of approved medications during the deductible stage of a Medicare Part D plan, for people 65+ and disabled adults 55 to 64, based on income.
Yes, for the care part. In Rhode Island, Medicaid LTSS Home and Community-Based Services (RI Comprehensive 1115 Waiver) can pay for care in assisted living. Rent and meals are generally paid by the resident.
$4,000 for a single person (2026). Countable resources for an individual. Stated on the DHS eligibility page.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Alliance for Better Long-Term Care): 1-888-351-0808. It's free and independent.
Researched from 38 sources, official pages first. Last checked .