Health insurance in Rhode Island: HealthSource RI, RIMAP and the mandate

HealthSource RI dates for 2027 coverage

Outside Open Enrollment you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage (including Medicaid), moving to Rhode Island, marriage or divorce, or a birth or adoption. HealthSource RI gives you a 60-day window around the event. See special enrollment periods.

RIMAP: Rhode Island's new state savings for 2027

The enhanced federal credits ended December 31, 2025. HealthSource RI says average premiums across its customers rose 101% for 2026, or $111 per person per month, and Open Enrollment sign-ups fell 10% from the year before. For 2027, the state added its own help on top of federal premium tax credits.

• Who may qualify: people who enroll through HealthSource RI with income under 200% of the federal poverty level (about $31,920 for one person), or over 400% (about $63,840 for one person) if an average plan would cost a high share of their income.
• Examples HealthSource RI gives: a single person earning $31,000 could save about $119 a month on top of federal tax credits; a couple ages 61 and 62 earning $85,000 could save about $1,000 a month.
• Reach: HealthSource RI expects RIMAP to help more than 20,000 current and former customers starting in January 2027.
• Parent/Caretaker Premium Assistance: parents and caretaker relatives who don't qualify for Medicaid, with income at or below 175% of the poverty level, can get extra help on a Silver plan. It can be combined with RIMAP and federal credits.

HealthSource RI's calculator shows your estimated savings. Your exact price depends on your income, household size, age and the plan you choose.

Rhode Island's coverage mandate and penalty

Rhode Island requires residents to have qualifying health coverage, such as a job-based plan, a plan bought from an insurer or through HealthSource RI, Medicare or Medicaid, unless they're exempt. The Division of Taxation assesses the penalty on Form RI-1040 or RI-1040NR, with Form IND-HEALTH.

• Exemptions claimed on your tax return include income below the filing threshold, a short coverage gap of less than three consecutive months, and some coverage that costs too much.
• Hardship and religious exemptions go through HealthSource RI. For 2026, HealthSource RI's affordability exemption applies when the lowest-priced coverage would cost more than 8.05% of projected household income. You must apply by the end of the enrollment period, and it covers only months after you apply.
• Compare all states with a mandate in health insurance penalty states.

This is general information, not tax advice. Check the Division of Taxation's worksheet or ask a tax advisor about your situation.

Medicaid or HealthSource RI?

Rhode Island Medicaid offers free or low-cost coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant people, seniors and people with disabilities. KFF lists the state's Medicaid limit for adults at 138% of the federal poverty level as of January 2026. You can enroll in Medicaid any time of year.

One HealthSource RI application tells you whether you qualify for Medicaid or a Marketplace plan with financial help. You can also apply at a Department of Human Services office. If you lose Medicaid, you have 60 days from the date on the notice to enroll in a HealthSource RI plan. See Medicaid income limits.

How to enroll, and where Gabriel fits

1. Gather your details: everyone in your household, expected 2027 income, current coverage, and your doctors and prescriptions.
2. Apply online at healthsourceri.com, by phone at 1-855-840-4774, or with free help from a Navigator (dial 211 to book) or a licensed agent.
3. Compare plans on the premium after federal credits and RIMAP, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum and the network.
4. Enroll and pay early so coverage starts January 1.

Gabriel can quote Marketplace plans for your ZIP code and household, show the price after any tax credit, and open your own application with a licensed agent in most states. You choose the plan and finish the application. Separate from insurance, Gabriel Core is $49 per adult a month (kids under 18 included) with member prices close to cost on lab tests, supplements, prescriptions and bioregulators, plus unlimited virtual urgent care and virtual primary care.

Gabriel is not an insurer. Health insurance quotes and enrollment are handled by Gabriel Labs, Gabriel's separately licensed insurance agency. Gabriel membership is not health insurance, doesn't count as minimum essential coverage, and doesn't replace a health plan's protection against large medical bills.