State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Rhode Island
Program Overview
Overview
Rhode Island has a Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) that administers developmental disability services. Rhode Island also has HCBS waiver programs.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Rhode Island has both a TEFRA State Plan Option (SPA) and a Katie Beckett-style waiver that disregard parental income for eligible children with disabilities needing institutional-level care. Contact Rhode Island BHDDH or EOHHS and ask specifically about the TEFRA or Katie Beckett option for children.
Child-relevant waivers
BHDDH administers HCBS waiver programs for individuals with developmental disabilities in Rhode Island. For adults with physical disabilities or chronic illness who need nursing-facility level of care, Rhode Island's Global Consumer Choice Compact Waiver (Section 1115 waiver) covers a broad range of HCBS supports. Adults with physical disabilities should contact the RI Executive Office of Health and Human Services and ask about personal care, home health aide, and community integration services available through Medicaid.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
BHDDH DD services are for individuals with developmental disabilities who meet eligibility criteria.
Financial and income rules
Rhode Island Medicaid financial eligibility applies.
Level of care
Level-of-care criteria are established through BHDDH assessment.
Age rules
BHDDH serves individuals of various ages including children.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Rhode Island BHDDH for intake and applications.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, assessments, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Rhode Island's DD waiver programs may have limited enrollment. Confirm current status.
Practical next step
Contact Rhode Island BHDDH and ask about DD waiver intake, eligibility, and current availability.
Services & Support
Services available
BHDDH waiver services can cover residential supports, day services, employment supports, and in-home supports.
Parent caregiver pay
Rhode Island has self-directed care options that may allow family members to be compensated.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Rhode Island Assistive Technology Access Partnership (ri.gov/health/atap) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, reuse programs, and AT information statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Rhode Island Medicaid covers behavioral health services through managed care organizations (MCOs). Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community support. The Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH) department oversees public behavioral health. Community mental health centers provide direct services. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit. Rhode Island has invested in school-based mental health and early childhood behavioral health programs.
Additional notes
Rhode Island uses a centralized system, which means BHDDH is the primary contact for most developmental disability services. Families should reach out to BHDDH directly to start the intake process.
Recent news for Rhode Island
RINewsToday · October 5, 2026 · Rights & Law, Funding & Budget
Gubernatorial candidates in Rhode Island participated in a forum to address key issues concerning aging, disability services, and behavioral health.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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