RIOP's Mission
RIOP works with low income elders and adults with disabilities to improve access to health care, transportation, and community-based services. RIOP trains community residents to be active in their communities around the issues that are important to them. Community residents are trained to tell their stories, organize their friends and neighbors, and work with public officials to make policy changes that benefit the community.
Our dear friend and colleague Marjorie Waters passed away on February 22 , 2025.
Marjorie was instrumental in the work of RIOP over the past 11 years . She trained countless community residents how to organize to improve their lives. She was a key leader in RIOP’s efforts to improve health care, public transportation , and long-term care.
We will miss her sharp intellect and compassion for elders and adults with disabilities.
Increase funding for RIPTA.
Expand access to health care and long term care services for Medicaid & Medicare recipients.
Thanks to our many coalition partners for working with RIOP to improve health care, transportation, and long term care. Our coalition partners include Voices for Better Health, Save RIPTA Coalition, RI Transit Riders, Protect Our Health Care RI , and Raise the Bar.
Improving RIPTA
RIOP will continue to work with the Save RIPTA Coalition to increase funding for RIPTA and to improve bus service for existing bus riders. Our long term goal will be to work with our coalition partners to expand bus service in underserved areas of Rhode Island.
Improving Nursing Home Care
We will work with our allies in the Raise Bar Coalition to improve living conditions for nursing home residents and improve the pay and working conditions for nursing home workers.
Medicare Savings Program
RIOP will collaborate with our partners at Voices for Better Health to expand eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program. The program helps elders and disabled adults pay for their Medicare Premiums. It also helps income eligible Medicare recipients with co-pays.
Moderate income elders and disabled adults are struggling with food, rental, and medical costs. Helping more seniors and disabled adults pay for their Medicare premiums and copays will alleviate financial hardship for thousands of Rhode Island residents.
Self-Directed Home Care Programs
In 2019, RIOP worked with SEIU 1199 and several community organizations to create the Independent Provider Program .The program was designed to assist the elderly to hire a homecare worker directly rather than go through an agency. Our goal was to expand the pool of homecare workers by allowing the elderly to hire friends, family, and neighborhoods to help them with their homecare needs.
In 2023, the Independent Provider Program was merged with the Personal Choice Program. The two programs share similar goals and will allow both the elderly and disabled adults who are eligible for Medicaid LTSS to hire the worker of their choice for their homecare needs.
For more information about the Personal Choice Program call 401-462-6393.
Expanded eligibility for the @Home Cost Share Program
The RI General Assembly increased eligibility for the At- Home Cost Share program to 250% of the federal poverty limit. This is a critical program for Medicare only seniors who are having trouble affording the cost of homecare and adult day services. The At- Home Cost Share program assists elders with homecare (housekeeping, personal care, and meal prep) or adult daycare services. The state assists eligible seniors 65+ by paying a portion of the cost of these services. Adults between the age 14-64 with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia are also eligible for the program.
For information on the @Home Cost Share Program, call the Point at 401.462.4444
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (MTM)
RIOP will continue to work to improve the performance of the current NEMT vendor MTM. We want to make sure that MTM riders are getting to their appointments in a timely and safe manner.
Our main goals for 2025 will be to improve on time performance, eliminate driver no shows, and improve reliability in the outlying areas of the state .
If you are experiencing problems with MTM or would like us to speak with your organization or building to discuss non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) call the RIOP office. (401.351.5577)
RIOP OUTREACH in 2025
RIOP will be visiting subsidized housing, congregations, and nonprofits to listen to community residents' concerns and to involve them in our ongoing organizing campaigns. Our outreach will also help RIOP identify potential new organizing campaigns.
If you would like RIOP to visit your organization or hold an online listening session call or email RIOP.
Phone-401.351.5577. Email-riorgproj@gmail.com
RIOP's Monthly Community Call
Monday at 3:00 pm.
For more information about RIOP’s community call.
Contact Ray Gagne 401-351-5577
Improving Health Care for Dual Eligible Medicaid and Medicare Recipients
RIOP supports the goals of Rhode Island’s Integrated Care Initiative (ICI) for Medicare and Medicaid recipients. The health plan, (Neighborhood Health Plan Integrity) for dual eligible Medicare and Medicaid recipients has helped reduce prescription co-pays, improved access to homecare, and helped community residents navigate the healthcare system.
RIOP also provides ongoing guidance and support to consumer members of the Implementation Council for Integrated Care Initiative. The Implementation Council is designed to give community residents oversight and input into the ICI.
Due to changes in Federal Rules, Rhode Island’ s Integrated Care Initiative for joint Medicare Medicaid recipients will end in December 2025. RIOP will be working with community residents and state officials to ensure that the new health plans offered in 2026 provide the same high quality health care services as NHP Integrity.
For more information about RIOP’s Work
Contact Executive Director/Lead Organizer: Ray Gagne
Call: 401-351-5577 or Email: riorgproj@gmail.com
