Assisted Living in Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the U.S. and home to approximately 1.1 million people. Situated in the New England Region, seniors are continuing to retire in the “Ocean State.” It’s estimated 23.1% of the population will be aged 65 and older by 2030.
While Rhode Island has a lower cost of living when compared to other states in the region, assisted living costs are $1,326 higher than the national average. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the median cost for assisted living in Rhode Island is $6,826 per month.
This guide covers the cost of assisted living in Rhode Island and includes local resources that help older adults age with dignity.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Rhode Island?
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the cost of assisted living in Rhode Island is $6,826 per month, which is $2,326 higher than the national average. Assisted living in Rhode Island is also $326 more expensive than the cost of living in Massachusetts. To the west, in Connecticut, assisted living is more affordable, with a median monthly cost of $5,129. In New Hampshire, to the north, living costs are $773 higher per month, at an average of $6,053. Vermont’s monthly living costs of $5,250 are $1,576 more than Rhode Island.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Rhode Island’s Top Cities
Rhode Island has many picturesque locations for seniors to retire. In the capital city of Providence, assisted living costs are $6,063 per month, which is lower than the state average. Since this is the only Rhode Island city surveyed in the Genworth report, we looked cities across Rhode Island’s borders for comparison. In Boston, MA, seniors pay $756 more than in Providence while in Norwich, CT, their peers in assisted living spend significantly less per month at $4,300.
The Cost of Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care
Assisted living care is the most expensive type of care in Rhode Island. Adult day health care has a monthly cost of $1,798, which is $5,028 lower than assisted living care. Adult day health care provides seniors nursing supervision, personal care, and case management during the day only in a community setting. In-home care costs are similar to assisted living costs. The average cost of in-home care, which includes a home health aide, is $5,958. Homemaker services, which are designed to assist seniors with household tasks, costs $5,720 per month, which is $1,106 more than monthly assisted living costs. Nursing home care, at $9,429, is the most expensive per month since it provides 24/7 skilled nursing support for seniors with serious medical conditions.
Can You Use Medicaid to Pay for Assisted Living in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island’s Medicaid program directly covers costs associated with assisted living. The Medicaid state plan and Medicaid Waivers are combined as the Rhode Island Global Consumer Choice Compact Waiver. This waiver provides many benefits including homemaker services, personal care, adult day health care, and private duty nursing. Mentally capable seniors can choose the self-directed program, which allows them to select their own caregiver.
Medicaid’s Coverage of Assisted Living in Rhode Island
Medicaid coverage is provided via the Rhode Island Global Consumer Choice Compact Waiver. Seniors can receive daily assistance as well as additional benefits such as:
- Self-directed care
- Adult day health care
- Home modifications
- Meal preparations
- Skilled nursing
- Transition services
- Non-medical transportation
This waiver also includes the Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) which helps provide alternatives to nursing communities.
Waiver Programs for Assisted Living in Rhode Island
All previous waiver has been combined into the Global Consumer Choice Compact Waiver.
Global Consumer Choice Compact Waiver
Low-income seniors who meet specific income and asset limits are eligible for this waiver. Applicants must be aged 65 or older and residents of Rhode Island. A patient assessment must also be completed to receive benefits. To apply for services contact the Rhode Island Division of Affairs at (401) 462-3000.
Eligibility for Medicaid in Rhode Island
Factors such as marital status and the number of Medicaid applicants determine income and asset limits in the state of Rhode Island. To qualify, single applicants must have an annual income of less than $30,276. When only one spouse is applying for Medicaid these limits stay the same, with asset limits of $4,000 for the applicant and $137,400 for the non-applying spouse. If both partners are applying for Medicaid, the income limit increases to $60,552 per year with an $8,000 asset limit.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Rhode Island
| Income Limits* | Asset Limits | |
| Single Applicant | $30,276 | $4,00 |
| Two-Person Household(Only One Person Applying) | $30,276 | $4,000 for applicant$137,400 for non-applicant |
| Two-Person Household (Both People Applying) | $60,522 | $8,000 |
*per year
Applicants are required to be a resident of Rhode Island and be able to prove they are a U.S. citizen or lawful resident in order to qualify for Medicaid.
Applying for Medicaid in Rhode Island
Applications for Medicaid can be made online via the HealthSourceRI.com online portal. Completing this application will help seniors determine if they can receive Medicaid for free or at a low cost. It’s also possible to apply for Medicaid in person at one of the Department of Human Services (DHS) offices located throughout the state. Older adults in need of assistance by phone can contact HealthSource RI directly at (855) 840-4774.
Before You Apply
Proof of citizenship, income and assets are all required to determine your Medicaid eligibility. Be sure to gather the following documents in order to submit a valid application.
- Birth Certificate
- Passport or Driver’s License
- Proof of all income sources
- Proof of assets (also for spouses)
- Proof of Medicare of insurance coverage (insurance cards)
Where to Go to Get Help
Local resources are made available to assist older adults better understand the coverage benefits available to them. Contact the following organizations for assistance in Rhode Island.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Health Source RI | 1 (855)-840-4774 | Health Source RI has both an online application and hotline to help seniors apply for Medicaid in Rhode Island. In addition to information about eligibility, the site also provides a list of community resources that help seniors age with dignity. |
| RIPIN | 1 (855)-747-3224. | Rhode Island Parent Information Network is a nonprofit organization that helps anyone from kids to seniors with applying for healthcare. |
| The Department of Human Services | (855)-697-4347 | Offices located throughout the state of Rhode Island that provide seniors with in-person guidance regarding state Medicaid programs. |
Can You Use Medicare to Pay for Assisted Living in Rhode Island?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Rhode Island. Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are not considered to be “clinical settings’ and so are not eligible for Medicare coverage. That being said, you can still use Medicare to cover the cost of approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc.
For more information about Medicare visit medicare.gov.
Are There Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in Rhode Island?
| How to Apply | How It Works | |
| Aid and Attendance | Apply online at va.gov. | If you are a veteran and you receive a VA pension, you may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit takes the form of a monthly cash allowance that you receive in addition to your standard pension. This benefit is used by veterans who need long-term care services, including care received at an assisted living facility. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Research and learn about the different types at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to access some of the equity in your home. Like traditional loans, reverse mortgages do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months, so seniors should carefully weigh this option alongside other financing methods. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn about how to receive LTC insurance benefits at acl.gov. | While those who currently need assisted living will typically not be eligible, if you purchased an LTC insurance policy in the past, you may be able to use it to help pay for assisted living. While most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, you still need to check the specific terms of your policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Rhode Island
Free and low-cost resources are available for seniors throughout Rhode Island. From senior community centers to legal aid, older adults can receive the assistance needed to age with dignity.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| RI Bar Association | (401) 521-5040 | Seniors aged 60 and older can receive a free half-hour consultation from an attorney through the Rhode Island Bar Association. Legal clinics are also held at local senior community centers and living facilities to provide seniors with accurate legal information. A reduced fee program is also available for seniors needing more in-depth legal support. |
| Point | (401) 462-4444 | Counseling and education are available year-round through point, part of the United Way of Rhode Island. Assistance is also provided to seniors who wish to apply for public or private healthcare programs. Services are available in Spanish and Point also has interpreters for more than 100 languages. |
| Rhode Island Alliance for Better Long-Term Care | (888) 351-0808 | This long-term care Ombudsman program helps to ensure the health and safety of older residents by monitoring the quality of care they receive. In addition to ensuring that complaints from long-term facilities are dealt with, volunteers also advocate for seniors and educate the local community about the rights and services available to the elderly and their families. |
| Office of Veterans Services | (800) 827-1000 | Veterans and their families can receive additional funding from the Department of Veteran Affairs to cover some costs associated with long-term care. |
| The Division of Elderly Affairs | (401) 462-3000 | Rhode Island’s Office of Healthy Aging provides seniors with year-round programming designed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. The agency also helps older adults and their families deal with elder abuse and financial exploitation. |
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Rhode Island
The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including health.ri.gov and rules.sos.ri.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/13/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.
Visiting Loved Ones
| Can I visit my relative in person if he/she wants emotional support from me? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Can I visit my relative in person for end-of-life compassion care? | Yes |
| Will my loved one be required to self-quarantine after I visit him or her? | No |
| Do I need to wear PPE and/or a cloth mask if I do visit my relative in person? | Yes |
| Are Hairdressers and other non-medical contractors still allowed in senior living facilities? | Yes |
| Does the state recommend or require that senior living facilities assist families with setting up virtual visit alternatives? | Yes |
| Are visitors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are visitors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
Outings and Group Activities
| Are residents allowed to leave the facility for non-medical reasons? | Yes |
| Are residents of senior living facilities who leave and return required to self-quarantine? | No (Conditions Apply) |
| Are senior living facilities required to cancel all group outings? | No |
| Are residents still eating together in the dining hall? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
| Are facilities still allowed to host group activities within the community? | Yes (Conditions Apply) |
Safety Measures for Staff & Contractors
| Are staff members and contractors being screened for elevated temperatures? | Yes |
| Are staff members and contractors being tested for Coronavirus? | Not Available* |
| Are staff members and contractors being asked questions about health, travel, and potential virus contact? | Yes |
*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
Safety Measures for Residents
| Are staff members required to regularly screen residents for coronavirus symptoms? | Not Available* |
| Are residents relied on to screen themselves and self-report potential coronavirus symptoms? | Not Available* |
| Are staff members required to take residents’ temperatures? | Not Available* |
| Are residents being tested for coronavirus? | Not Available* |
*NOTE: This information was not available for this state, contact your local area agency on aging or senior living facility for more information.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Rhode Island
Assisted living is regulated in Rhode Island by the Center for Health Facility Regulations. All communities must be licensed by the government agency, which aims to protect the health and safety of older residents in Rhode Island. Communities must meet specific quality standards to receive licensure.
