STATE PROFILE • Last updated: November 11, 2026
Rhode Island Elder Care & Medicaid
Rhode Island's Medicaid system for seniors operates under a comprehensive 1115 waiver, offering home and community-based services like assisted living and self-directed care as alternatives to nursing facilities.
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RANKED #50
GRADE F
FEATURED
Medicaid Coverage Guide for Rhode Island
Full breakdown of Rhody Health Options for seniors: waiver programs, nursing home eligibility, income and asset limits, spend-down rules, and how to apply.
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Program
Rhody Health Options
Income cap
$2,982/mo
Medically-needy
Yes
Elder Care Index Report Card
5-pillar composite scoring vs other states
F
Grade
AFFORDABILITY
GRADE F · 0
QUALITY
GRADE D · 39
STAFFING
GRADE C · 42
ACCESS
GRADE B · 46
MEDICAID SUPPORT
GRADE C · 34
Composite score: 14.5 / 100 (50 = average state)
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Rhode Island At a Glance
Nursing Home Facilities
73
Senior Medicaid Waivers
3
National Rank
#50 / 51
Range #48–#50 when the pillar weights shift
Senior Care Costs in Rhode Island
local_hospital
Nursing Home
$11,748/mo
+6.4% vs national avg
- 73 nursing homes · 8,231 beds
- Avg CMS rating 3.12★ (15 rated 5★, 12 rated 1★)
- 3.72 nurse hrs/resident/day (0.77 RN)
Source: CMS Nursing Home Compare
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home_health
Home Health Aide
$33/hr
+22.2% vs national avg
- Median aide wage $20.14/hr
- ~8,800 aides employed statewide
Source: BLS OEWS
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