New Laws Benefiting Older Rhode Islanders from this Legislative Session

Published in RINewsToday on July 20, 2026

A new group of bills, signed by Gov. Dan McKee, delivers notable benefits for older Rhode Islanders. The new laws focus on three main goals: boosting financial security, expanding healthcare access, and cracking down on fraud and scams targeting seniors.

Rhode Island General Assembly leadership convened this year’s legislative session on Jan. 6 that ran until June 11, with lawmakers working right up until 11:59 a.m. on their final day. Over those five months, the Senate logged 43 days on the floor, while the House logged 45.

In a joint statement, Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist.14, East Providence) and House Speaker Christopher R. Blazejewski (D-Dist. 2, Providence) pointed out one of the session’s most significant legislative accomplishments – eliminating the state income tax on Social Security benefits for all low- and moderate-income Rhode Islanders who receive them, regardless of their age.

“We also strengthened protections against scams and financial exploitation, advanced consumer protections, and passed legislation to improve access to affordable, high-quality health care,” they said, stressing that more work remains.

“As we continue to prepare for the impacts of federal funding cuts to vital state programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), we must remain vigilant in protecting the services that many older Rhode Islanders depend on,” they added. “We remain committed to working with our partners to address the many challenges facing older Rhode Islanders and to advancing policies that protect their financial security, support healthy aging, and enhance the quality of life for every senior in our state.”

A Strong Year for Aging Issues

More than 2,450 bills were introduced during the 2026 legislative session – 1,157 in the Senate and 1,297 in the House. Excluding resolutions, which were largely congratulatory in nature or recognized prominent Rhode Island residents, only 249 measures ultimately cleared both chambers to reach the Governor’s desk for signature.

Among the most important actions affecting Rhode Islanders was the adoption of the state’s $15.2 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The new spending plan includes a number of provisions benefiting older adults, caregivers, and aging-service providers. It eliminates age thresholds to exempt Social Security income from state taxes, increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for dementia care and other providers, and boosts funding for Meals on Wheels and senior centers.

But the enacted budget was only part of this year’s legislative story. Lawmakers also approved a number of bills that Gov. Dan McKee signed into law, addressing health care, consumer protection, retirement security, and services that help older Rhode Islanders remain independent in their homes and communities.

Among the new laws signed by Gov. McKee are the following:

The General Assembly approved legislation (S 3282, H 8595) sponsored by Senate President Lawson and Rep. Michelle McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton) to ensure that Medicare patients over 65 years old are eligible for all Medicare supplemental coverage programs, regardless of preexisting conditions. Under the new law, every Medicare recipient over 65 will have at least one month each calendar year to enroll in any Medigap plan without undergoing medical underwriting. That means older adults cannot be denied coverage – or charged higher premiums because of preexisting conditions if they switch plans during that enrollment period.

Rep. Jennifer Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence) and Sen. Lori Urso (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) sponsored successful legislation (H 7029A, S 2116A) to help homebound patients access routine foot care at home. The new law allows routine foot care in patients’ homes, provided the provider has received proper training and demonstrates clinical competence. The new measure addresses unmet needs for basic, routine, and preventive foot care at home. Many older adults and people with disabilities need medical assistance for routine foot care, including noninvasive maintenance of toenails, common corns, and calluses.

Legislation (S 2026, H 8171A) from Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) and Rep. Justine Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich), now law, creates a Medicaid pilot program that leverages medically tailored meals and other nutritional supports to improve the health of those with chronic, diet-related conditions. This coverage could take the form of produce prescriptions, vouchers, or medically tailored meals, prescribed by medical professionals for persons with diet-related diseases or food insecurity. It could also include clinical nutrition education.

Legislation (H 8060A, S 3338) introduced by Rep. Joseph J. Solomon, Jr. (D-Dist. 22, Warwick) and Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston), now enacted, strengthens the state’s laws to fight identity fraud and emerging forms of digital deception. The act defines “digital forgery” as participating in the generation, creation, or distribution of a computer-generated visual or audio representation intended to deceive people.

Gov. McKee signed legislation (H 7613A, S 2810A) sponsored by Rep. Alex D. Marszalkowski (D-Dist. 52, Cumberland) and Sen. Lammis Vargas (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) that would protect tax filers from fraudulent or illegal tax preparation services. This new law imposes penalties on tax preparers who intentionally mislead their clients or act as ghost preparers for tax returns. It would also require the tax administrator to publish a list of tax preparers whose privileges to prepare returns have been revoked or suspended.

The Act (H 7551aa, S 2715A) introduced by House Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly) and Senate President Lawson would criminalize deed theft. Additionally, it would allow municipalities to refuse to record “suspicious documents” submitted by untrusted submitters. Deed theft usually involves forged documents, such as a quit-claim deed, to record a phony transfer of property ownership. Scammers may then attempt to sell the stolen vacant land or home, or even rent it, to turn a profit, forcing the real owners to head to court to reclaim their property.

The enacted measure (H 7837, S 2878) sponsored by Rep. Caldwell and Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick) would improve the oral health of homebound older Rhode Islanders by expanding reimbursement eligibility for public health dental hygienists. Currently, dental hygienists’ services are reimbursable only through Medicaid and insurance plans purchased through HealthSource RI. The new law allows public health dental hygienists to be paid directly by Medicare and other insurers for services provided in the home to older adults who lack transportation or mobility to visit a dentist.

This enacted legislation (H 7475, S 3086), sponsored by Rep. Evan P. Shanley (D-Dist. 24, Warwick, East Greenwich) and Sen. Meghan E. Kallman (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, Providence), enacts technical amendments to the Rhode Island Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program Act. These structural modifications, which improve daily operations enable the retirement board to enhance the program’s efficiency and reach and strengthen interstate partnerships. Secure Choice, which offers employees of small businesses access to a portable, Roth-IRA-type retirement accounts through automatic payroll deduction, was enacted last year.

We’ll Be Back

According to Carol Costa, Executive Director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI), this year’s General Assembly approved several important measures supporting aging in place, including bills on foot care and dental hygienists. She also believes the Food as Medicine legislation will have a tremendous impact on homebound older Rhode Islanders.

Costa noted that consumer protection bills which were signed into law are also laudable, including the enacted bill (H 8106, S 2644), that was introduced by Rep. Stephen M. Casey (D-Dist. 50, Woonsocket) and Sens. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and Brian J. Thompson (D-Dist. 20, Woonsocket, Cumberland) restricting deed covenants on grocery stores addressing anti-competitive deed restrictions. The bills were originally created and pushed forward at the request of Rhode Island Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos as part of her “Fair Price Grocery Agenda”.

SACRI applauds the enactment of legislation (H 7020, S 3180) sponsored by Rep. Jon D. Brien (I-Dist. 49, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and Sen. Thompson that establishes the framework for veterinary telemedicine in Rhode Island. “It is a good law to help homebound older Rhode Islanders to take better care of their pets,” Costa says. The new law requires Rhode Island-licensed veterinarians to obtain client consent before establishing an electronic relationship and to keep records for one year. Providers must clearly display services and standard fees on their websites.

Workforce development also got a boost this year with passage of the Healthcare Worker Platform Act (H 7030B, S 2107A), says Costa. Sponsored by Rep. Shanley and Sen. Jacob E. Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence), the new law creates a digital platform that connects qualified healthcare workers with open shifts at healthcare facilities. The platform allows licensed healthcare professionals to identify and accept available shifts, helping healthcare providers fill staffing gaps more quickly and efficiently. “Creating a workforce platform is a positive step that enables quicker access to long-term care staffing,” says Costa.

“SACRI will be supporting bills that did not get over the finish line this session by pushing them on day one,” says Costa, noting that in the next session, the coalition will push for the passage of the removal of the MSP Asset test, the creation of the Office of the Elder Advocate, and making the Rep. Lauren H. Carson’s (D-Dist. 75, Newport) House Study Commission on Aging or House Commission Studying Services and Programs for Older Adults a permanent commission.

“SACRI is reflecting on a year of dedicated advocacy while turning its focus to the work ahead,” explains Costa. “While some major legislative priorities did not make it across the finish line this year, we remain committed to dismantling barriers for Rhode Island’s older adults and individuals with disabilities,” she says.

“While SACRI didn’t secure 100% of all we fought for this past session, our resolve is stronger than ever to push for passage in the General Assembly,” says Costa, stressing that the legislation is vital to the economic security and protection of our older adults. “SACRI will be there to advocate forcefully until they become law,” she said.

For more information about the states’ Fiscal Year 2027 budget, see my article in RI News Today. Go to https://rinewstoday.com/ri-budget-win-for-older-adults-by-herb-weiss.

Read about AARP Rhode Island’s advocacy on bills that were signed into law this legislative session. Go to

https://www.aarp.org/states/rhode-island/rhode-island-2026-legislative-win

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America runs on grandparents. Over $900 billion/year in childcare, financial assistance

Published in RINewsToday on July 13, 2026

For many families, grandparents are essential and actively shape how their grandchildren are raised. They quickly step in at a moment’s notice when a child is sick, and pick up grandkids at school when they’re dismissed early. Beyond babysitting and covering unexpected household expenses, they provide a steady presence that keeps families grounded and together.

A newly released AARP Research report examines a universal rite of passage for most older adults: becoming a grandparent. The 23-page report puts a dollar value on a grandparent’s informal support, estimating that, nationwide, they contribute more than $900 billion annually through unpaid childcare and direct financial assistance. From school tuition to clothing purchases, providing allowances, and their help, parents can continue working, easing financial pressure and strengthening family bonds across generations.

The report estimates that grandparents provide a $731 billion in unpaid child care each year, along with another $172 billion in direct financial assistance. On average, they spend nearly 511 hours a year caring for their grandchildren and contribute about $2,654 annually to help cover everyday expenses, child care, education, and other family needs.

Painting a Picture of America’s Grandparents

The report, “Powering Families: The Essential Role of Grandparents in Care, Connection and Support,” offers a comprehensive look as to how grandparents support their families—and the key role they play in the nation’s economy. The numbers tell only part of the story. Grandparents play an essential role in America’s caregiving network.

“America runs on grandparents. Grandparents are one of the most important—and often overlooked—sources of support for American families,” said Dr. Debra Whitman, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer, when announcing the report’s release in June.

“Through both unpaid caregiving and direct financial assistance, they help parents stay in the workforce, make ends meet, and navigate rising childcare costs. Their contributions strengthen family finances and intergenerational connection, and provide critical support to the broader economy,” Whitman said.

The report estimates that 65 million Americans are actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren. The typical grandparent takes on this role at age 50, is now 68, and has five grandchildren. One in 10 grandparents serves as the primary caregiver for at least one grandchild, assuming legal responsibility for raising them.

The Joys of Being a Grandparent

Most of the respondents report that being a grandparent is a very rewarding experience. Eight-one percent said they feel confident in this role, while 75% feel appreciated. Nearly three-quarters said grandparenting fits in with their lifestyle, and 72% described it as a source of joy.

The two most common reasons grandparents care for their grandchildren are practical and personal: helping parents stay at work (38%) and bonding through spending quality time with their grandchildren and showing their love (35%).

Like many Americans, grandparents express concern about inflation and the resulting rising prices. Nearly half (45%) said the cost of living and its impact on their grandchildren is their biggest worry. Other leading concerns expressed by the respondents include gun violence (30%) and access to quality education (28%).

When asked about the challenges their grandchildren face, grandparents cited most often education and learning (22%), maintaining strong family relationships (21%), and emotional well-being (21%).

This report also reinforces how location can shape today’s grandparenting experience. Half of grandparents have at least one grandchild living nearby them, while 28% said they lived with their children during the past year.

Technology Can Bridge Distances

According to the report, digital technology helps to bring grandparents and their grandchildren together, especially for those who live farther apart. Seventy-six percent of grandparents say texting, social media, video calls, and group chats help them stay connected with their children and grandchildren.

The report also reflects the changing demographic makeup of American families. Nearly one in four grandparents (23%) has a grandchild who is biracial, multiracial, or of a different race or ethnicity. In addition, 9% have grandchildren of a different faith, and 7% have grandchildren who identify as LGBTQ+.

Behind every statistic is a grandparent who rearranges a work schedule, opens a wallet, or changes personal plans to help a son, daughter, or grandchild. Yes, taken together, the findings show that today’s grandparents do much more than spoil their grandchildren. They are caregivers, financial backstops, mentors, for many families, the dependable people who step in whenever they’re needed.

According to the researchers, the report is based on a nationally representative survey of more than 3,300 U.S. grandparents age 35 and older. The study was conducted in late 2025, along with in-depth interviews exploring their experiences.

To read “Powering Families: The Essential Role of Grandparents in Care, Connection and Support,” go to https://datastories.aarp.org/social-leisure/relationships/the-essential-role-of-grandparents/

To read the report’s key findings, go to  Powering Families: The Essential Role of Grandparents in Care, Connection and Support: Key Findings

Go to 2018 Grandparents Today National Survey to read the findings, go to 2018 Grandparents Today National Survey

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To read more articles by Herb Weiss, go to:  https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/herb-weiss/

United Way’s 211 Brings New Resources to Rhode Island Caregivers

Published in RINewsToday on July 6, 2026

According to AARP Rhode Island, over 200,000 caregivers provide 111 million hours of care, and will have easier access to critical support through the expansion of the Caregiver Support Program offered via United Way’s 211 – the 24/7 confidential 3-digit helpline.  There is no charge for accessing the program.

Over two weeks ago, AARP and United Way Worldwide announced the program’s expansion into 10 additional states — Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Rhode Island — along with regional support in California and Colorado.

Expansion into an additional 211 call centers brings the program to 32 states and Puerto Rico, now reaching 50% of the total U.S.population, making this resource accessible to an estimated 36 million family caregivers, says AARP.

AARP notes that the existing participating states include Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, with regional service in parts of Florida, Georgia, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Utah. The program is also offered in Puerto Rico. With this expansion, the program is currently available within 32 states and Puerto Rico.

Launched in 2021, this groundbreaking resource initiative connects family caregivers to essential services for themselves and their loved ones through the 211 helpline and has already helped 2.5 million caregivers access the resources and support they need.

“Being a family caregiver is a labor of love – but it can also be a tremendous challenge,” sand Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer, in a statement announcing the expansion of the 211 program. “Through this expansion of 211, we’re making it easier for family caregivers to find the help they need, when and where they need it,” she said.

In a statement, AARP Rhode Island State Director Catherine Taylor said: “Through this expansion of 211, we’re making it easier for Rhode Island’s 206,000 family caregivers to find the help they need, when and where they need it.”

“Caregiving is one of the most important and challenging roles someone will ever take on,” said Cortney Nicolato, president and CEO, United Way of RI. “When you’re a caregiver, there is real courage in picking up the phone and saying, ‘I need help.’ Half of the equation is asking, the other half is getting the right guidance. And that’s what this partnership is all about,” she said.

The confidential 211 helpline program is the answer: available 24/7, offered in 180 languages, and accessible to anyone seeking assistance, whether or not they are a caregiver. Often without pay, training, or support, 63 million caregivers who care for their loved ones (parents, spouses, and friends) need access to trusted help.

Through this specialized Caregiver Support Program, caregivers residing in the participating locations can simply dial 211 to connect with trained Community Resource Specialists and receive tailored AARP resources that cover a wide range of topics, along with direct connections to local services, including:

  • Local referrals for transportation, food delivery, home safety, respite care, veterans’ benefits, and more
  • Support to address the caregiver’s own basic needs, like housing, employment, or emotional support

By the Numbers

According to United Way of Rhode Island’s 2023–2024 Community Impact Report, released online in January 2025, the nonprofit’s 211 information and referral service handled more than 190,000 contacts (phone calls, emails, texts, and walk-in visits) during the reporting period, connecting Rhode Islanders with info on food assistance, housing, health care, utility assistance, mental health services, and other critical resources.

The report notes that the free, confidential service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with staff able to assist callers in more than 200 languages and dialects.  After business hours, 211 also answers calls for The Point.

Approximately 75% of 211 staff are bilingual and bicultural. United Way also reported that 211 operates three walk-in resource rooms and a mobile outreach RV that provides services at 15 community locations and participates in more than 250 outreach events annually.

Meanwhile, the report found that 211 handled 6,342 Medicare-related contacts, 4,371 Medicaid-related contacts, 647 Medicare enrollment requests, and 689 Medicaid application requests during the year.

Reaching Out for Help 

If you need assistance, you can always call 211 to reach out to a local specialist. Simply dial 211 from your cell phone or landline to speak with a live, highly trained service professional.

If you are looking for a 211 service in another community, or prefer to text, chat online, or search an online database, go to Your Local 211 | United Way 211

For more information about the Caregiver Support Program, visit www.aarp.org/211care. To connect with a 211 specialist, simply dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211