Key takeaways

  • Over 240,000 Rhode Island residents are enrolled in Medicare, with options including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and prescription drug plans (Part D).
  • Medicare Advantage plans in Rhode Island are offered by private insurance companies and bundle Parts A and B with extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage. Plan availability and costs vary by location.
  • Rhode Island residents can supplement Original Medicare with Medigap plans, which help cover out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles and copays, but these plans are not available to those enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as people of any age who have certain health conditions and disabilities.

It’s made up of four parts:

  • Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are known as Original Medicare
  • Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare
  • Part D, which is prescription drug coverage

You can also purchase a supplemental insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are not eligible

Snapshot of Medicare in Rhode Island

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Rhode Island for the 2026 plan year:

  • A total of 246,679 residents of Rhode Island were enrolled in Medicare.
  • As in most states, 10 different Medigap plans are offered in Rhode Island in 2026.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $22.79 in 2025 to $32.32 in 2026.
  • There are 23 Medicare Advantage plans available in Rhode Island for 2026, compared with 24 plans in 2025.
  • All Rhode Islandresidents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium.
  • 25.94% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
  • In 2026, 11 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans are available in Rhode Island, and the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $8.40.

Medicare is more than just one part. Different plans and components cover various aspects of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Medicare Advantage plans are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and offer the same coverage as Original Medicare. They may also offer benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: Part D plans are also offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies and provide prescription drug coverage. If you have Original Medicare, you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription drug coverage, you can speak with your insurer to verify whether you can purchase a stand-alone Part D plan.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover some of the costs associated with Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in Rhode Island, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31, if you already have Medicare Advantage.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

The following resources in Rhode Island can help you make the best Medicare decisions for your circumstances:

More than 240,000 Rhode Island residents are enrolled in Medicare.

People in Rhode Island have access to all parts of Medicare, such as Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Part D.

Not all plans are available in all areas. Individuals can check what is available in their area using the Medicare search tool.