Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Rhode Island. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Medicare and health costs
Rhode Island calls its Medicare Savings Programs the Medicare Premium Payment Program.
Since February 1, 2026, it has two levels with income limits higher than the federal ones: QMB, which pays your Part A and Part B premiums, co-payments and deductibles, and QI, which pays your Part B premium. You can apply online at HealthyRhode, by phone, by mail, or at a Department of Human Services office.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official site| 2026 figures | One person | Married couple |
|---|---|---|
| QMB income limit | $1,683 a month | $2,275 a month |
| SLMB income limit | No separate SLMB level: since February 1, 2026, people in this income range get QMB instead | No separate SLMB level: since February 1, 2026, people in this income range get QMB instead |
| QI income limit | $2,255 a month | $3,050 a month |
| Savings limit | $9,950 | $14,910 |
Source: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (source 1)
| What QMB pays | Your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, co-payments and deductibles |
|---|---|
| What SLMB pays | Folded into QMB since February 1, 2026, so people at this income level get the fuller QMB help |
| What QI pays | Your Part B premium. Money for QI is limited and given first come, first served. |
Source: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (source 1)
Where Rhode Island's rules differ from the federal rules for Medicare Savings Programs.
Source: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (source 2)
Source: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (source 1)
Free help
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Rhode Island. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
Newsletter
Benefit figures, deadlines and rules change every year. We'll tell you what changed and what to check, about twice a month.