CHIP in Rhode Island

Rhode Island at a glance

Rhode Island is home to about 168,502 foreign-born residents (15.3% of the state’s 1,101,801 people) and 194,915 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (17.7%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Rhode Island regardless of immigration status unless noted.

CHIP covers health insurance for uninsured children from families earning too much for Medicaid but unable to afford private insurance.

CHIP eligibility limits in Rhode Island (verified data)

Source: Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) — CHIP data by state

Verified on: 2026-05-25

Children’s health coverage in Rhode Island

Child ageMedicaid (% FPL)
Infants 0-1 yearup to 190% FPL
Children 1-5 yearsup to 142% FPL
Children 6-18 yearsup to 133% FPL

CHIP upper income limit in Rhode Island: 266% of FPL

CHIP-funded prenatal coverage (conception to end of pregnancy): up to 258% of FPL

How to apply for CHIP in Rhode Island

  1. Combined Medicaid+CHIP application via healthcare.gov
  2. Rhode Island state application (some states have own portal)
  3. By phone: 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669)

Rhode Island adopted CHIPRA Option

Rhode Island adopted the CHIPRA option, eliminating the 5-year bar for permanent-resident children. This means a child with a new green card (under 5 years in US) can qualify for CHIP in Rhode Island without waiting.

How to apply for CHIP in Rhode Island

  1. Visit Healthcare.gov or Rhode Island’s Medicaid/CHIP portal
  2. Complete the application — ONE application covers both Medicaid AND CHIP automatically
  3. Rhode Island determines if your child qualifies for one or the other

Typical coverage

CHIP covers: doctor visits, vaccines, hospitalization, dental, vision, prescriptions, mental health.

Income limits

Generally 200-300% federal poverty level. For family of 4: ~$60,000-$90,000/year.

Costs

CHIP has very low co-pays (sometimes $0) and low monthly premiums ($0-$50/month).

Last verified: 2026-06-15.