Medicaid appeals in Rhode Island: hearing deadline and keeping benefits
Rhode Island Medicaid (RIte Care, Rhody Health Partners): you have 30 days to ask for a fair hearing.
Your Medicaid continues (aid pending) if you appeal during the advance notice period: 10 days that begin on the fifth day after the date on the notice of intended action.
Checked against official sources: October 30, 2026.
Appeal deadlines are strict. If you are near a deadline or your care is urgent, call free help today.
Medicaid (Rhode Island Medicaid (RIte Care, Rhody Health Partners)) denials in Rhode Island
- Medicaid agency
Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS); Department of Human Services for eligibility
- Who holds the hearing
EOHHS Appeals Office (EOHHS Hearing Office, EHO)
- Hearing deadline
30 days
The contested agency action; the 30 days begin 5 days after the mailing date of the notice
- How to ask for a hearing
- Online: Through your account in the state's online eligibility system (healthyrhode.ri.gov)
- Form: Download the EOHHS Appeal Form from eohhs.ri.gov and send it by mail, fax, or personal or commercial delivery
- Phone: An appeal by telephone counts on the date you contact the agency or the Hearing Office
- Keeping your benefits during the appeal
Your Medicaid continues (aid pending) if you appeal during the advance notice period: 10 days that begin on the fifth day after the date on the notice of intended action. If that period ends on a weekend or holiday, an appeal received the next business day still counts. Later requests may get benefits reinstated only with a signed statement and proof of a listed reason, such as not receiving the notice in time.
Law: 210-RICR-10-05-2, §§ 2.2.2-2.2.3; 210-RICR-10-05-2 (EOHHS Appeals Process and Procedures)
- When the hearing is held
The Hearing Office sends written notice of the hearing at least 15 days before it, and must issue a written decision within 90 days of receiving the appeal.
Law: 210-RICR-10-05-2, § 2.3; 210-RICR-10-05-2 (EOHHS Appeals Process and Procedures)
- Faster (expedited) hearing
You can ask for an expedited appeal if the standard process could jeopardize your life, health or ability to attain, maintain or regain maximum function. Include information supporting the request. If granted, the hearing is scheduled quickly (within 3 business days for people with both Medicare and Medicaid).
Law: 210-RICR-10-05-2 (EOHHS Appeals Process and Procedures)
Medicaid health plan (managed care) in Rhode Island
- Appeal to the plan first
If you are in a Medicaid health plan (RIte Care or Rhody Health Partners), first use the plan's grievance and appeal process for service problems such as prior authorization denials or reduced services. The state appeal deadline is paused while the plan reviews it. If the problem is not solved, you can ask the EOHHS Appeals Office for a fair hearing; Rhode Island's rule notes that federal managed care rules give you 120 calendar days. Eligibility problems go straight to the EOHHS Appeals Office.
- Then a state hearing
120 days
The plan's appeal decision
Law: 210-RICR-10-05-2, § 2.4.2; 42 CFR 438.408(f)
Write my appeal: free letters
Sources
The official sources for Rhode Island are listed on the Rhode Island page.