Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in Rhode Island. With more than 223,300 Rhode Island beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in Rhode Island. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
Rhode Island Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
Rhode Island Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in Rhode Island
Who Qualifies for Medicare in Rhode Island?
Medicare covers most Rhode Island residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled Rhode Island residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in Rhode Island works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) serves the state’s seniors through various agencies to help seniors maintain dignity and independence with Medicare counseling, food assistance, adult day services, and protective supports. EOHHS also provides assistance with long-term care issues. The EOHHS oversees the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
Contact: Call 401-462-5274Rhode Island’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is part of a national partnership to help consumers make informed healthcare choices. Tri-County SHIP counselors provide one-to-one, unbiased counseling to seniors, adults with disabilities, families, and caregivers. The program is designed to help seniors and adults with disabilities understand healthcare costs and coverage options. Tri-County SHIP counselors discuss Medicare Part A and B, Medicare Part D, supplemental insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and other health insurance options with their clients.
Contact: Call 401-462-0510The Office of Healthy Aging, formerly known as the Division of Elderly Affairs, collaborates with organizations all over the state to connect seniors with resources and information, including healthcare information, and advocate for the rights and comforts of the elderly.
Contact: Call 401-462-3000, TTY at 401-462-0740, or via emailWarwick Senior Services in Warwick provides SHIP counseling for the community’s older residents by appointment only. The staff screens interested seniors to determine eligibility for Medicare Advantage and other programs using monthly income. The center also offers a legal clinic, tax help, and assistance with subsidized housing and heating expenses.
Contact: Call 401-468-4070 or 401-468-4090Senior Services, Inc. has provided services to seniors and adults with disabilities residing in Northern Rhode Island since 1975. In accordance with the Congregate Meal Program financed through a grant with R.I. Office of Healthy Aging, Senior Services, Inc. provides nutritionally balanced lunches five days a week at our meal sites throughout northern R.I. Senior Services, Inc. offers activities, entertainment, computer classes, and Wellness programs, including our weekly blood pressure clinic and exercise classes. As a partner in the state’s Point network, this organization has a Community Information Specialist who shares free information on eligibility for programs, including Medicare Advantage, throughout the state.
Contact: Call 401-766-3734The West Warwick Senior and Community Center offers the town’s older residents SHIP options, counseling, and pharmaceutical assistance in addition to meals, financial education, and social activities.
Contact: Call 401-822-4450 to set an appointment with a SHIP counselor
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of Rhode Island. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in Rhode Island so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.