Helping Rhode Islanders Navigate Changes to Medicaid Coverage

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, November 1, 2026

Nine students from Brown University have launched the Medicaid Student Fellows program to help Rhode Islanders navigate new Medicaid eligibility rules and work requirements introduced under federal legislation. By providing education and direct assistance with applications, the program aims to reduce coverage disruptions for over 30,000 potentially affected residents, including vulnerable groups like immigrants and those experiencing homelessness.

Nine students from Brown University’s School of Public Health have launched an initiative to help Rhode Islanders navigate recent changes to Medicaid coverage that took effect under federal legislation passed last year. The Medicaid Student Fellows program, formed through the People, Place and Health collective at Brown, aims to educate and assist local Medicaid recipients as they face new eligibility requirements and program modifications stemming from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law by President Trump in July 2025.

Beginning October 1, 2025, significant changes to Medicaid eligibility and benefits were implemented, including restrictions impacting legal immigrants and protected groups, as well as alterations to reimbursement rates. Starting January 1, 2026, new applicants must meet work requirements to qualify, with existing beneficiaries required to demonstrate compliance by March 31, 2026. In Rhode Island, over 30,000 people could potentially be affected by these shifts.

The student fellows are focusing their outreach efforts on vulnerable groups that include individuals experiencing homelessness, those with substance use disorders or in recovery, immigrants and refugees, and students. Abdullah Shihipar, a research associate and narrative projects lead at the collective, said the team is engaged in a variety of outreach activities such as canvassing businesses, places of worship, and community centers. They also conduct presentations and operate information tables at clinics and drop-in sites to raise awareness about the changes.

The program’s goal extends beyond education to providing hands-on assistance. Fellows help Medicaid recipients understand official notices related to renewal or eligibility and aid with completing necessary paperwork and applications. One notable policy adjustment involves non-citizen eligibility: as of October 1, many non-citizens and green card holders are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage under the new federal criteria.

In addition, work requirements apply to childless adults aged 19 to 64. To qualify, these individuals must either earn more than $580 per month or complete 80 hours of approved activities, which can include certain types of unpaid work or part-time study.

These federally mandated changes require states such as Rhode Island to implement new standards, resulting in increased administrative burdens for both recipients and service providers. Experts warn that coverage losses resulting from these changes could lead to higher numbers of uninsured individuals, creating greater challenges for health systems through increased uncompensated care and financial pressure.

The Medicaid Student Fellows program has obtained certification enabling its members to assist with application submissions and renewals, aiming to mitigate potential disruptions in coverage by helping those affected better understand and comply with the new requirements.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.