Health insurance open enrollment begins in Rhode Island and Massachusetts

Open enrollment for state-run health insurance marketplaces has commenced in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, offering residents new options to manage rising healthcare costs.

In Rhode Island, the HealthSource RI open enrollment period runs from November 1 through January 31. To combat a 101% increase in average premiums following the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits, the state has launched the Rhode Island Marketplace Affordability Program (RIMAP). This program is expected to assist over 20,000 customers starting in January. RIMAP provides additional assistance to households below 200% of the federal poverty level and partially replaces lost federal help for those above 400% of the poverty level. Additionally, changes to silver plan ratings are expected to lower monthly costs for approximately 10,000 middle-income households.

In Massachusetts, the Health Connector open enrollment period began on Friday and will continue until January 23, 2027. The program serves individuals who do not receive insurance through an employer and do not qualify for MassHealth. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining coverage to prevent lapses in care for chronic conditions, urging residents to utilize the Navigator program or the Mayor’s Health Line for assistance with coverage options.