Rhode Island RIPAE Prescription Assistance
RIPAE helps Rhode Islanders pay for approved generic medicines while they are still in the deductible stage of a Medicare drug plan.
RIPAE pays 60%, 30% or 15% of the cost of approved generic drugs you buy during the deductible stage of your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. In 2026 a single person with income under $39,002 gets the 60% level. You cannot have RIPAE if you are on Medicaid or Social Security's Extra Help.
What RIPAE Pays For
RIPAE stands for Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly. It is run by the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging. It is narrower than its name suggests, and it helps to know the three limits before you apply.
- Generic drugs only. The state pays toward generic medications on its approved list.
- The deductible stage only. RIPAE pays while you are still meeting your drug plan's deductible. Once your plan starts paying, RIPAE stops.
- A share, not the whole cost. The state pays a percentage and you pay the rest.
In 2026 the most a Part D plan may charge as a deductible is $615. If your plan has no deductible, there is no deductible stage for RIPAE to help with.
2026 Income Limits and What the State Pays
| Level | Income if single | Income if married | State pays | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less than $39,002 | Less than $50,319 | 60% | 40% |
| 2 | $39,002 to $48,965 | $50,319 to $61,227 | 30% | 70% |
| 3 | $48,965 to $85,848 | $61,227 to $97,928 | 15% | 85% |
| 4 (ages 55 to 64 only) | $85,848 or less | Ask the program | 15% | 85% |
These limits took effect on January 1, 2026, after a 2.8% increase in line with the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. Levels 1 to 3 are for people 65 and older. Level 4 is for adults 55 to 64 who are disabled.
An Example
The price here is made up to show the arithmetic. Say you are at Level 1, you are still in your plan's deductible stage, and an approved generic costs $50. The state pays 60%, which is $30. You pay $20.
At Level 2 the state would pay $15 and you would pay $35. At Level 3 or 4 the state would pay $7.50 and you would pay $42.50.
Who Qualifies
- You are a Rhode Island resident.
- You are 55 or older.
- You are enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription coverage.
- You are not enrolled in Medicaid or in Social Security's Extra Help program.
- Your income is within one of the levels above.
The fourth condition is worth a second look. If your income is low enough for Extra Help, that program does more for you than RIPAE can, because it lowers your premium, deductible and copays all year. Check Extra Help first.
Two Extra Benefits
- A one-time chance to change plans. At any RIPAE level you get one Special Enrollment Period to change your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. It cannot be used during Medicare open enrollment, October 15 to December 7.
- Free state beach access. Level 1 members get free access to Rhode Island state beaches.
How to Apply
Complete a RIPAE application and mail it with the supporting documents it asks for to:
R.I. Office of Healthy Aging
Attn: RIPAE Program
Louis Pasteur Building
25 Howard Ave, Building 57
Cranston, RI 02920
- Help filling in the form: Aging and Disability Resource Center, (401) 462-4444
- Other RIPAE questions: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), 1-888-884-8721
- Processing time: 14 to 30 days once the office has a complete application
If you are approved, a RIPAE card arrives by mail. Take it to your pharmacy and ask them to add it to your account. Until they do, the discount will not be applied.
Get the application on oha.ri.govFrequently Asked Questions
What are the RIPAE income limits for 2026?
Level 1: less than $39,002 single or $50,319 married. Level 2: $39,002 to $48,965 single or $50,319 to $61,227 married. Level 3: $48,965 to $85,848 single or $61,227 to $97,928 married. Level 4, for ages 55 to 64, is $85,848 or less for a single person.
How much does RIPAE pay?
The state pays 60% at Level 1, 30% at Level 2 and 15% at Levels 3 and 4, toward approved generic drugs bought during the deductible stage of your Medicare drug plan.
Can I have RIPAE and Extra Help together?
No. You cannot be enrolled in RIPAE if you are enrolled in Medicaid or in Social Security's Extra Help program.
Does RIPAE cover brand-name drugs?
The 2026 program fact sheet says RIPAE pays toward approved generic medications bought during the deductible stage.
How long does a RIPAE application take?
14 to 30 days after the Office of Healthy Aging receives a complete application with its supporting documents.
Source: Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, RIPAE Program Fact Sheet (January 2026) and the Drug Cost Assistance page, checked October 11, 2026. Confirm your level and the approved drug list with the program before you rely on this page. This site is not affiliated with the State of Rhode Island.