Rhode Island CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program
Updated August 2026
RIte Care covers uninsured children under 19 who live in Rhode Island and whose household income falls between the Medicaid threshold and 261% FPL. Rhode Island's HealthSource RI portal automatically determines whether a child qualifies for Medicaid or RIte Care CHIP — you do not need to apply separately or know which program applies.
261% FPL
RIte Care income ceiling
Under 19
Age group covered
$0
Premium for most families
Rhode Island's CHIP program is called RIte Care
RIte Care covers children under 19 whose family income is above the standard Medicaid limit but at or below 261% of the Federal Poverty Level. Apply through HealthSource RI at healthyrhode.ri.gov or by calling 1-855-697-4347. One application covers both Medicaid and RIte Care.
Who qualifies for RIte Care
- Child must be under age 19
- Family income at or below 261% FPL
- Monthly income limit: approximately $3,471 for household of 1; $7,178 for household of 4 (261% of the 2026 FPL, per eohhs.ri.gov)
- Child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or qualifying immigrant
- Child must reside in Rhode Island
- Child must not have comprehensive health coverage available through another source
RIte Care benefits and cost-sharing
RIte Care provides comprehensive coverage for enrolled children through Rhode Island's Medicaid managed care plans — Tufts Health Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, per the official EOHHS RIte Care page. Children get access to the same EPSDT-equivalent benefit package regardless of whether they're enrolled in Medicaid or RIte Care.
- Well-child visits and developmental screenings
- Immunizations
- Doctor visits and specialist referrals
- Prescriptions
- Emergency and urgent care
- Inpatient hospital care
- Mental health and substance use services
- Dental care (full EPSDT scope)
- Vision care and eyeglasses
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Cost-sharing is minimal. Most enrolled families pay no premiums. Small co-pays apply to some services at higher income levels, but preventive care, immunizations, and well-child visits are not subject to cost-sharing. Federal CHIP rules cap total family out-of-pocket costs at 5% of family income annually.
How to apply for RIte Care
Apply through HealthSource RI at healthyrhode.ri.gov. A single application determines whether your child qualifies for Rhode Island Medicaid or RIte Care CHIP based on household income. You can also apply by calling 1-855-697-4347 or visiting a Rhode Island DHS office.
Applications are processed within 45 days. Coverage starts on the first of the month the child applied, if approved.
RIte Care vs. Rhode Island Medicaid for children
| Program | FPL range | Premiums |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Medicaid (children) | Up to standard Medicaid limit | None |
| RIte Care CHIP | Gap up to 261% FPL | Minimal at higher incomes |
Rhode Island Medicaid (children)
- FPL range
- Up to standard Medicaid limit
- Premiums
- None
RIte Care CHIP
- FPL range
- Gap up to 261% FPL
- Premiums
- Minimal at higher incomes
Apply regardless of immigration status for your children
Eligible children can apply for RIte Care regardless of the immigration status of their parents. Parents are not required to provide their own Social Security numbers or immigration documents when applying only for a child's coverage.
What CHIP is nationally
CHIP — the Children's Health Insurance Program — is a federal-state partnership that covers children in families whose income is too high for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. Congress created CHIP in 1997 under Title XXI of the Social Security Act. Like Medicaid, CHIP is jointly funded by the federal government and each state, and each state administers its own program.
CHIP serves children up to age 19 (some states cover to 21 for children in foster care). It is not available to adults — CHIP is specifically designed to address the coverage gap for children in working families. Nationally, CHIP covers approximately 7 million children, according to CMS data.
Rhode Island Medicaid
- HealthSource RI: healthyrhode.ri.gov
- RIte Care / EOHHS phone line: 1-855-697-4347
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