Rhode Island Options for Health Insurance Plans

Health insurance options in Rhode Island are generally limited to private insurance, group health insurance and several government-subsidized plans. However, even though Rhode Island's health insurance plans fall into these three categories, you may have a wide range of choices based on the insurance provider you choose or, if you qualify for government programs, you may be able to receive discounted or free health insurance.

Medicaid

• RIte Care, RIte Share and Medicaid are all Medicaid programs offered in the state of Rhode Island to help families and individuals who cannot afford health insurance. To qualify, you must meet certain income qualifications that range from 69 percent up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level. RIte Care is free to families with incomes up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

The Rhode Island Women's Cancer Screening Program

• The Rhode Island Women's Cancer Screening Program offers free breast exam and cervical cancer screenings to women with incomes below 250 percent of the federal poverty level who are uninsured. If you are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, you may be eligible for free health care through Medicaid.

Individual Plans

• Individual health insurance plans are those that are not offered by your employer. These plans are often more expensive that group plans, but you will not lose your health insurance if you leave your employer. Also, unlike group health plans, an insurer can turn you down because of your health status.

Group Health Plans

• Group health insurance in Rhode Island is offered by your employer. This insurance plan allows you to join a group where all premiums will be equal among all participants based on tiers. A tier groups individuals within the plan into categories. For example, all individuals who want the plan to cover just themselves will pay one price. Individuals who want all of their family members covered under the plan will pay a different price.