RI 2030 Priority: Creating a Healthier Rhode Island

Healthy residents are the foundation of a resilient and productive state. Governor McKee remains committed to expanding access to care by investing in primary care, prevention, and behavioral health, and by partnering with local providers and hospitals to bring lower-cost care options closer to home.

That commitment has taken on new urgency in light of recent federal actions. H.R. 1 and other policy changes enacted by the Trump Administration are severely weakening the safety net many Rhode Islanders rely on. State analysis shows that these actions threaten Medicaid coverage for more than 30,000 Rhode Islanders, cut thousands of families off SNAP or reduce their food benefits, and end enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits—forcing roughly 13,000 Rhode Islanders to lose health insurance altogether as monthly costs rise. At the same time, federal funding reductions and freezes — including over $150 million in Medicaid provider tax revenue—put added strain on hospitals, community health centers, and critical providers.

No state has the resources to fully replace federal programs. Even so, Rhode Island is taking responsible and compassionate action. The State is making targeted investments to protect the most vulnerable—including children, seniors, Veterans, individuals with disabilities, and those facing mental health and substance-use challenges—while strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and community-based services. Our goal is simple: to ensure that Rhode Islanders continue to have access to affordable, high-quality care and the opportunity to be well and thrive, even as the federal environment grows more uncertain.