Rhode Island
In 2012, Rhode Island, the smallest state in the country in terms of total area, had a population of 1,050,304, according to the United States Census Bureau. At the time of this census, an estimated 15% of Rhode Island residents were at least 65 years of age. This was a higher percentage than the national average at that time, which totaled 13.7%.
Meanwhile, Rhode Island’s women amounted to 51.6% of the overall population in 2012. Women have a higher demand for long term care than men due to increased longevity and gender-based lifestyle.
Rhode Island’s Department of Health reported that between 2010 and 2012, approximately 1,769 per 100,000 older women required hospital treatment due to falls. On the other hand, 950 per 100,000 men accounted for falls that resulted in hospitalization. However, Rhode Island’s senior male population experienced more fall-related fatalities than their female counterparts.
According to estimates by Trust for America’s Health, 24,000 senior citizens in Rhode Island will develop Alzheimer’s by 2025.
Cost of Care
Below are the average daily cost* of long term care services in Rhode Island.
| City | Nursing Facility1 | Assisted Living1 | Adult Day Care2 | Home Health Aide3 |
| Providence | $306 | $163 | $68 | $144 |
| Warwick | $312 | $136 | $65 | $138 |
Notes:
*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
1Daily average for a private room.
2Based on five days of care per week.
3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.
Insurance Options
Rhode Island and 35 other states entered John Hancock’s web-based system for marketing, known as LTC Captivate, on May 20, 2013.
Massachusetts Mutual sells its LTCI product called SignatureCare 500 to the residents of Rhode Island. SignatureCare500 underwent some modifications due to updates in the HIPAA Privacy Notice.
On December 9, 2013, MedAmerica added more options to the inflation protection and waiting period of its FlexCare LTCI product. These expanded options applied to FlexCare policies marketed in Rhode Island and several other states. In addition, MedAmerica revised the preferred health and marital discounts of this product, in accordance with Rhode Island’s insurance guidelines.
Other insurance companies that sell long term care insurance in Rhode Island include American General Life, Mutual of Omaha, and Transamerica.
State Long Term Care Programs
Medicare, a state government health program, gives long term care benefits in various ways. Part A covers home health care and nursing facility care. Part B allows clients to use medical equipment and receive laboratory services. Part D takes care of the need for prescription drugs.
The Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly, or RIPAE, can further help long term care dependents in alleviating the cost of medications under Medicare Part D. Prescribed drugs for illnesses such as arthritis, hypertension, and dementia become more accessible through the program. Low-income individuals over 65 years of age or people with disabilities ages 55 to 64 qualify for RIPAE.
The state’s Medicaid program maintains a State-Based Marketplace, called HealthSource RI, instead of one that is Federally-facilitated. Rhode Island, along with other states, is accommodating more low-income adults in the expanded Medicaid for 2014.
Falls can lead to broken bones, disabilities, and even fatalities among senior residents. To prevent these mishaps, the state initiated the Rhode Island Fall Prevention Partnership, sponsored by the local Long Term Care Coordinating Council.
More Resources
To get more specific information regarding long term care services and insurance options in Rhode Island, please check the following websites:
Rhode Island Health Care Association
Has a list of nursing facilities, calendar of events, news about LTC, and informative links.
Provides resources that benefit older adults, and announces upcoming senior living events.
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