AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES -- MEDICARE ENROLLMENT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Alzate and 5 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would ignore all assets when determining eligibility for Medicare Savings programs (QMB, SLMB, QI), pending federal approvals and regulatory changes.

05/19/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study

Bill Summary: HB 7631 (Session 2026) – Medicare Enrollment

Main purpose and intent

The bill seeks to modify how Rhode Island determines eligibility for certain Medicare Savings programs (specifically Qualified Medicare Beneficiary, Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, and Qualified Individual programs, collectively known as Medicare Saving or Medicare Buy-In programs).

It proposes disregarding any assets or resources when evaluating eligibility for these programs, effectively removing asset limits from consideration.

Implementation is contingent on receiving applicable federal approvals (e.g., amendments to the state plan and regulatory changes).

Key provisions and changes

Section 36-12.2-2 (New provision):

If enacted, Rhode Island would disregard all assets/resources when determining eligibility for the following programs:
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
Qualified Individual (QI)
These programs are part of the federal Medicare Savings programs described in 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(E).

Conditional implementation:

The asset-disregard provision would only take effect after Rhode Island obtains the necessary federal approvals.
The Office of the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) must:
Seek and secure required federal approvals
Amend the state plan as needed
Promulgate (issue) regulations to implement the change

Who would be affected

Beneficiaries of Medicare Savings programs in Rhode Island:

Individuals applying for or currently enrolled in QMB, SLMB, or QI programs.

The change would primarily affect low-income individuals who may have assets that would previously disqualify them under existing rules, making more people potentially eligible for Medicare Savings assistance.

EOHHS and associated state agencies would implement policy changes, regulatory updates, and coordinate with federal authorities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The act is introduced February 11, 2026, and referred to House Health & Human Services.

Final effective date: The act provides that it “shall take effect upon passage,” but the asset-disregard provision (36-12.2-2(a)) is not immediately operative until federal approvals are obtained (36-12.2-2(b)).

The implementation process requires:

Federal approvals (likely including Medicaid state plan amendments)
Regulatory promulgation by the state

Current action history indicates scheduling for hearings and potential committee transfer (House Finance) as of early 2026, with subsequent scheduling in May 2026.

Practical implications and considerations

Potential increased eligibility for Medicare Savings programs, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs for low-income seniors and certain disabled individuals.

Financial impact on the programs’ funding and on state budgeting may arise, given broader eligibility and higher program participation.

Success depends on obtaining federal approvals and ensuring state regulations align with federal requirements.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current Rhode Island law on Medicare savings eligibility or summarize potential fiscal impacts once available from fiscal notes.