Governor McKee Highlights Affordability for All Proposal to Make HealthSource RI Coverage More Affordable
Published on Thursday, March 12, 2026
Governor Signs Executive Order to Further Lower Costs for HealthSource RI Customers
CENTRAL FALLS, RI — Governor Dan McKee was joined today by HealthSource RI (HSRI) leaders, community health partners, and health insurance navigators at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care to highlight his Affordability for All efforts to make health insurance more affordable for HSRI customers.
The average cost of health coverage purchased through HSRI has risen from $109 to $220 in the past year due to rising health care costs and Congressional Republicans’ refusal to extend the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) extended, enhanced premium tax credits. This has resulted in a 10-percent decline in enrollment at HSRI from last year.
“My plan supports Rhode Islanders by keeping costs low, putting more money in their pockets and sending a clear message that we will not gamble with their health and well-being,” said Governor Dan McKee.
The Governor signed an Executive Order on Thursday that will bring in an additional $12 million in federal tax credits to Rhode Island to reduce health insurance premiums for HSRI customers earning between 200% and 400% of the federal poverty level. This would reduce premiums for most individual customers in that earning bracket by $500 annually; a family of four should see a reduction of approximately $1,600 annually.
The Executive Order directs the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner not only to use regulatory tools to lower costs, but also to boost transparency by creating a health care price dashboard and by creating the first in-depth analysis of state benefit mandates since 2014.
The Governor also highlighted his FY27 budget proposal to provide $9.5 million in financial relief to HSRI’s most vulnerable customers, which is part of his Affordability for All agenda. By backfilling the recently expired enhanced federal subsidies, Rhode Island can help keep coverage for around 20,000 HSRI customers who make no more than 200% of the federal poverty level. For example, a 44-year-old customer making $31,0000 a year would see a $51 monthly bill under this proposal, as opposed to his current $170 monthly bill.
“The combined impact of the Rhode Island Marketplace Affordability Program proposed in the budget, and the Executive Order announced today would benefit more than 80% of HealthSource RI customers and help preserve our hard-fought low uninsured rate, lending stability to the healthcare system,” said Lindsay Lang, Director of HealthSource RI. “I thank Governor McKee for his forward thinking on this issue, to find state solutions that work for our marketplace and the tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders who rely on it for health insurance.”
“Lack of insurance leads to delayed care, which causes needless suffering and paradoxically increased costs,” said Dr. Cristina Pacheco, Chief Executive Officer for BVCHC. “We wholeheartedly support the Governor's efforts today to improve Rhode Islander’s access to health care.”
“In January, Blackstone Valley Community Health Care saw 1,400 patients who lost health insurance coverage through HSRI. This significantly impacts our financial health and ability to continue to serve all our patients,” said Craig McAnaugh, Chief Financial Officer for Blackstone Valley Community Health Care.
To read the Governor’s full FY27 budget proposal and learn more about his Affordability for All agenda, click here.