Medicaid Rules Concerning a Disabled Person for the State of Rhode Island

Medicaid is available to eligible residents through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, or DHS. Disabled individuals may qualify for Medicaid benefits if income and assets do not exceed the limit as designated by DHS. People who are approved for supplemental security income through the Social Security Administration are automatically enrolled in the Medicaid program.

Adults with Disabilities

• A disabled adult is eligible for Medicaid if able to provide documentation of the disability. Acceptable proof includes medical records or a letter from the physician. The applicant must also meet income and asset criteria. Income may not exceed 100 percent of the current federal poverty level. Assets, such as money in a bank account or cash on hand, cannot exceed $4,000 for an individual or $6,000 for a couple. The value of life insurance policies or the home of residence does not count toward the asset limit.

Adult Supplemental Security Income Recipients

• In Rhode Island, an adult who has been approved for supplemental security income through the Social Security Administration automatically qualifies to receive Medicaid benefits. Enrollment in Medicaid does not require a separate application. The SSA requires a proven disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Income must not exceed the designated limits; the total value of available resources must be less than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.

Children Who Receive SSI

• A child under the age of 18 years old with "marked and severe functional limitations" due to a mental or physical condition may qualify for supplemental security income and automatic enrollment in Medicaid. The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or lead to death. The child's income and assets, as well as that of any family members in the household, must not exceed limits as determined by the SSA. The monthly income limit for 2010 is $1,000.

Children With Disabilities

• Disabled children, who are ineligible for supplemental security income due to the parents' income and assets, may still qualify for Medicaid benefits under the Katie Becket provision. The provision allows children with severely disabling conditions to receive Medicaid without regard to the income or assets of the parents. Eligibility for the waiver is determined by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services and is based on the degree of the disability and the level of care required.