Rhode Island Medicaid Turns 60
Published on Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Local leaders recognize the roots and continued impact of the healthcare program that serves a third of the State’s population
Cranston, RI -- Governor Dan McKee's Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), in conjunction with the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS), is recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Medicaid program and its impact on the health and wellbeing of Rhode Islanders across generations.
Since its establishment in 1965, Medicaid has served as the nation’s single largest source of health coverage. In Rhode Island, more than 317,000 individuals receive their health insurance through Medicaid.
“One of the goals in my Rhode Island 2030 Plan is to create a healthier Rhode Island - a place where families and individuals can thrive,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Although the federal government continues to undermine access to essential safety net programs like Medicaid, this 60th anniversary is a moment to reaffirm the value of Medicaid to individuals and communities, and underscore how integral it is to our healthcare system.”
Through the years, the Rhode Island Medicaid program has continued to evolve to meet the needs of its residents, ensuring equitable access to care for children, families, individuals with disabilities, and older adults across all of Rhode Island’s cities and towns.
In 2014, Rhode Island’s Medicaid program expanded under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to extend coverage to single adults ages 19 to 64 who are not otherwise eligible, have no dependent children, are not pregnant, and have incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level.
“By opening up access to Medicaid for new populations in response to the ACA, Rhode Island was able to dramatically shrink our uninsured rate to a record 2.2 percent as of 2024,” said EOHHS Secretary Richard Charest. “By significantly reducing the number of uninsured Rhode Islanders, Medicaid decreases the cost of uncompensated care that can threaten a clinic or hospital’s sustainability and reduces the amount of medical debt in the State.”
In Rhode Island, 177,389 households with children get health coverage through Medicaid. Research shows that children who have access to Medicaid have better health in adulthood, greater attendance during school, lower high school dropout rates, and increased college attendance.
“It’s more important than ever that we rely on data and proven strategies to inform the future of Medicaid,” said Medicaid Director Kristin Sousa. “On this 60th anniversary, Rhode Island’s Medicaid Program is reaffirming our commitment to working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure eligible beneficiaries can access the services and care they deserve.”
EOHHS, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office, has established a Federal Compliance Advisory Group to assist in the review and analysis of potential impacts of any federal actions related to the Medicaid Program. EOHHS and its partner agencies are confident that the efforts of this Federal Compliance Advisory Group will help proactively guide the state through the changing policy landscape in a way that upholds community voice on behalf of Rhode Islanders.
“It’s critical that we meet beneficiaries where they are—delivering a quality experience that ensures access to vital programs and services,” said Rhode Island Department of Human Services Director Kimberly Merolla-Brito. “At DHS, we’re committed to expanding our network of community partners and offering multiple platforms to support Rhode Islanders in achieving stability, health, and opportunity.”