Rhode Island CHIP: Children's Health Insurance Program

Last verified: June 2026

Informational overview of Rhode Island CHIP

For current eligibility thresholds and enrollment, visit https://eohhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/adults/rhode-island-medicaid. CHIP and Medicaid applications are processed together in most states — apply once and both programs are considered.

Rhode Island's CHIP program is called RIte Care — covers children up to 261% FPL

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

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.

Child must be under age 19
Family income at or below 261% FPL
Monthly income limit: approximately $3,276 for household of 1; $6,737 for household of 4 (2026)
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

Source: Rhode Island EOHHS; 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines. Contact EOHHS at 1-855-697-4347 to confirm current limits for your household size.

RIte Care benefits and cost-sharing

RIte Care provides comprehensive coverage for enrolled children through Rhode Island's Medicaid MCOs — the same Aetna Better Health, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI, and UnitedHealthcare plans that serve adult Medicaid members. Children get access to the same EPSDT-equivalent benefit package regardless of whether they're enrolled in Medicaid or RIte Care.

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.

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

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

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

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. In most states, it is a seamless part of the broader children's health coverage system alongside Medicaid.

What CHIP covers

Federal law requires CHIP to cover certain core benefits. States may add to the list. Standard CHIP coverage includes:

Doctor visits, including well-child checkups and sick visits
Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
Emergency room and urgent care services
Prescription drug coverage
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Dental care — preventive and restorative
Vision care, including eye exams and glasses
Laboratory and imaging services
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs or hearing aids when medically necessary

How to apply for Rhode Island CHIP

Apply through Rhode Island Medicaid — the same application covers both Medicaid and CHIP. Online applications are typically fastest and allow document uploads. You can also apply by phone or in person at a local eligibility office.

See the how to apply page for the complete application process, required documents, and what to expect during review.

CHIP and Medicaid income ranges overlap — apply regardless

If you're not sure whether your child qualifies for Medicaid or CHIP, apply anyway. The eligibility system determines which program applies based on your income. A child who earns out of Medicaid may qualify for CHIP, and vice versa. Don't let uncertainty about which program applies prevent you from applying.