SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides a monthly benefit for the purchase of food items through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card (EBT). The card is used at participating supermarkets and convenience stores. The EBT card can also be used to buy food on-line at Amazon, Walmart and Aldi’s. For more information, see the DHS Online Shopping Guide with …

Free Clinics

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid or HSRI coverage, there are several places to go for regular health care. These places provide care regardless of a person’s immigration status, although they may ask about your status to help determine whether you may be eligible for coverage. Providers must keep this information confidential.There are two Free Clinics in Rhode Island for …

Hospital Free Care

Each hospital in Rhode Island has a “charity care program.”  The hospital may cover all or part of the bill if the applicant is unable to pay.  The income limit is 200% FPL for full coverage and up to 300% FPL for partial coverage.  Hospitals can choose to apply an asset test in determining eligibility for charity care.  The hospital should …

Medicaid – Adults 65 and older & people with disabilities

The Medicaid program provides comprehensive medical coverage to seniors (age 65+) and people with permanent disabilities. People receiving SSI benefits  automatically receive Medicaid. Seniors and people with disabilities who are receiving Social Security Retirement or Disability benefits (or have other income) and have income/resources that exceed the SSI limits may be eligible for Medicaid under the rules described in this section. Note: People …

Emergency Medical Assistance

Individuals that meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Medical Assistance Programs (seniors, people with disabilities, children, and parents and adults age 19-64) but who are ineligible for benefits because of immigrant status (including undocumented individuals, Lawful Permanent Residents ineligible due to the 5 year bar and other legally present immigrants who are not eligible under federal rules) may …

Medicare Premium Payment Program

These programs pay for some of the cost of Medicare for seniors and people with disabilities who are not otherwise eligible for Medical Assistance. Medicare Part A covers hospital services.  There is no monthly premium but there are co-pays and deductibles.  Medicare Part B covers doctors’ visits and other medical costs.  There is monthly premium for Medicare Part B which …

General Public Assistance (GPA) Medical

Provides limited medical coverage to individuals who are disabled longer than 30 days and unable to work.  Coverage includes doctors visits and limited types of prescriptions.  GPA recipients are entitled to free hospital care. Who Qualifies? Adults who cannot work due to a physical or mental problem that will last longer than 30 days. Must be a citizen or eligible …