2026 Marketplace Data

Rhode Island Health Insurance 2026

Health insurance in Rhode Island is sold through HealthSource RI, with an estimated 20-35 plans available for 2026. The average Silver-tier premium is $410/mo before subsidies for a 40-year-old non-smoker. Medicaid status: Expanded.

Updated April 2026 Fact-checked April 2026

Marketplace

HealthSource RI

HealthSource RI

Avg Silver Premium

$410/mo

Before tax credits, age 40

Medicaid

Expanded

Affordable Care Act status

Rhode Island 2026 Health Insurance Quick Facts

FieldValueNotes
MarketplaceHealthSource RIState-run exchange
Open Enrollment 2026Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027Special enrollment for QLEs year-round
Plans available20-35Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum tiers
Medicaid expansionExpandedUp to 138% FPL

Premium and plan counts are estimates for 2026 based on prior-year filings and pending rate approvals. Always verify pricing on the marketplace itself before enrolling.

HealthSource RI: Small State, High Enrollment, and Extended Enrollment Window

Rhode Island's HealthSource RI is one of the smaller state-based exchanges by enrollment, but the state consistently achieves very high marketplace participation rates relative to its population. The marketplace offers 20–35 plans, with BCBS RI as the dominant carrier. Silver premiums average $400–$420/month for a 40-year-old before subsidies, moderate for the Northeast. Rhode Island's compact geography and largely urban/suburban character support good network adequacy throughout the state. HealthSource RI extends enrollment through January 31.

Rhode Island expanded Medicaid (RIte Care) under the ACA and has maintained broad coverage access. The state runs a continuous Medicaid eligibility process and has pursued automatic enrollment initiatives to reduce churning. Rhode Island's small size and well-developed social services infrastructure have contributed to low uninsured rates. The state has also extended coverage to children and pregnant women regardless of immigration status. HealthSource RI's small scale allows for personalized navigator assistance and community-based enrollment events.

What to Know About Health Insurance in Rhode Island

Top marketplace carriers

Leading 2026 ACA carriers in Rhode Island: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, UnitedHealthcare, Tufts Health Plan. Plan selection and network breadth vary widely by ZIP code — use the marketplace's plan-finder tool with your ZIP and household income for accurate availability.

Notable state rule

Rhode Island operates its own state-based exchange (HealthSource RI) and extended open enrollment through January 31. The state has one of the highest ACA enrollment rates per capita.

Medicaid eligibility

Rhode Island expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults under 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) qualify — about $20,800/yr for an individual or $43,000/yr for a family of 4 in 2026.

Rhode Island Pro Tip

The temporary enhanced subsidies (2021–2025) that removed the 400% FPL "cliff" and capped benchmark premiums at 8.5% of income expired at the end of 2025. For 2026 the cliff has returned — above 400% FPL there is generally no premium tax credit, so compare the full sticker price against your options. If your income lands just under 400% FPL the subsidy can still be substantial. Confirm current figures at healthcare.gov, since Congress could still act.

Health Insurance FAQs — Rhode Island

Who runs the health insurance marketplace in Rhode Island?

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Rhode Island operates its own state-based exchange called HealthSource RI at healthsourceri.com.

How much does Silver-tier health insurance cost in Rhode Island before subsidies?

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A 40-year-old non-smoker in Rhode Island typically pays about $400–$420/month for a Silver plan before subsidies.

Is Medicaid expanded in Rhode Island?

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Yes. Rhode Island expanded Medicaid (RIte Care) under the ACA. Adults earning up to 138% FPL are generally eligible.

Marketplace data sourced from state and federal exchange filings for Rhode Island, April 2026. Premium estimates are 2026-projected.

JW

Jennifer Walsh

Editorial Lead, Health & Medicare

This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.

Reviewed April 2026

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