Rhode Island is one of six states in the country with a unified jail-prison system -- RIDOC (Rhode Island Department of Corrections) operates both local and state adult corrections through the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) complex in Cranston. There are no county jails in Rhode Island. Everyone goes through the same system.
This means your discharge planner, your MAT program, your reentry services, and your Medicaid connections all run through one agency. Rhode Island has been a national leader in providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) inside its correctional facilities since November 2016, when it became one of the first states to offer a full, federally-regulated Opioid Treatment Program -- methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Vivitrol -- to all incarcerated individuals. Upon release, MAT continues through Rhode Island's Medicaid-funded Centers of Excellence.
Rhode Island has also applied for a broad Medicaid 1115 reentry waiver that would provide 90 days of pre-release coverage to all Medicaid-eligible incarcerated individuals -- one of the most comprehensive reentry waiver proposals in the country. Confirm its current CMS approval status.
Here is how the system works and what you need to do.
What RIDOC Provides at Release
The Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC, doc.ri.gov) provides Transitional Services and Discharge Planning for all incarcerated individuals. As individuals near release, a discharge planner is assigned to work with them on a transition plan. Prior to this, the pre-release unit holds forums inside facilities to explain available services and begin planning.
Discharge planning services available include:
Housing connections and referrals.
Mental health service linkage.
Health service coordination.
Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment referrals.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) continuation planning.
Youthful offender programming.
A medical discharge planner is also available for individuals with significant health needs. Community partner agencies work inside RIDOC facilities and provide both pre-release services and post-release follow-up to support successful reentry.
RIDOC Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT): National Model
Since November 2016, all RIDOC ACI facilities have offered a full, federally-regulated Opioid Treatment Program providing methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Vivitrol to incarcerated individuals. RIDOC contracts with CODAC Behavioral Healthcare to provide medical directors, assessment clinicians, MAT clinicians, a discharge planner, and peer support specialists for the program.
This is one of the most comprehensive MAT programs inside a state corrections system in the country. Rhode Island was an early leader in this area when most states were not offering MAT inside correctional facilities.
Upon release: Justice-involved individuals who received MAT during incarceration continue their care on an outpatient basis at Rhode Island's Centers of Excellence -- the state's Medicaid-funded network of community-based SUD treatment providers. The discharge planner at RIDOC coordinates this continuation of care before release. Justice-involved individuals are included in Rhode Island's Health Home initiative, which provides ongoing care coordination.
If you or your family member is receiving MAT inside RIDOC, ask the CODAC discharge planner before release which Center of Excellence will continue the treatment and whether an appointment has been scheduled.
Getting Your Rhode Island State ID or Driver's License
Rhode Island state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV, dmv.ri.gov).
If your ID was not processed before release, visit any Rhode Island DMV office. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and Rhode Island residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a Rhode Island address. Your RIDOC release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.
Ask your RIDOC discharge planner before release whether the facility provides assistance with state ID or driver's license processing.
Getting Your Social Security Card
If your Social Security card was not obtained before release, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate.
Ask your RIDOC discharge planner whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing the card replacement and benefit application process to begin up to 90 days before release.
Getting Your Birth Certificate
If you were born in Rhode Island, request a certified copy from the Rhode Island Department of Health Vital Records at health.ri.gov or by calling (401) 222-2812. The fee is currently $22 per copy.
If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time and delay your ID process.
Rhode Island Medicaid (RIte Care / Medicaid Expansion)
Rhode Island expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Rhode Island's Medicaid program is administered by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Human Services (DHS). Low-income adults are generally eligible.
Apply after release at DHS (dhs.ri.gov) or HealthSource RI (healthsourceri.com), or call 1-855-840-4774.
Rhode Island 1115 Reentry Waiver (Pending CMS Approval): Rhode Island has requested 90 days of pre-release Medicaid coverage for all Medicaid-eligible incarcerated individuals as part of its comprehensive 1115 waiver addendum. This is one of the most ambitious reentry waiver proposals in the country -- Rhode Island proposed offering eligible incarcerated individuals their full Medicaid plan benefits (rather than just minimum required services), given the state's small correctional population. Rhode Island submitted this request as part of the same addendum that included its Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) initiative. As of the July 2024 CSG Justice Center tracking, Rhode Island's reentry waiver was listed as pending CMS approval. Confirm the current approval status at eohhs.ri.gov or with your RIDOC discharge planner.
SNAP: Food Assistance
Rhode Island has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP in Rhode Island subject to standard income and eligibility requirements.
Apply for SNAP through the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) at dhs.ri.gov or by calling 1-855-697-4347. Note: federal changes to SNAP eligibility effective November 2025 may affect noncitizen eligibility; confirm current eligibility rules at dhs.ri.gov.
Voting Rights in Rhode Island
Rhode Island suspends voting rights only during incarceration for a felony conviction. Upon release from prison, voting rights are automatically restored -- even while you are on parole or probation. No waiting period or petition is required.
Register to vote at vote.ri.gov after your release. Contact Rhode Island Legal Services (rils.org) or the Rhode Island Board of Elections (elections.ri.gov) if you have questions about your specific eligibility.
Certificate of Recovery and Reentry
In 2013, the Rhode Island Legislature created the Certificate of Recovery and Reentry, administered by the Parole Board. The certificate is available to individuals with:
No more than one non-violent felony conviction (or any number of misdemeanors).
No violent offense or gun crime conviction.
Three years after the completion and compliance of the sentence (for felony); one year for misdemeanor.
The certificate serves as a determination by the Parole Board that the person has successfully achieved recovery and reentry, and acts as "one determining factor, consistent with concerns for public safety, of the person's ability to obtain employment, professional licenses, housing, and other benefits and opportunities." The language of Rhode Island's Certificate of Recovery and Reentry (HB 5313) became a model for the LAPPA model Medicaid reentry waiver legislation.
Contact RIDOC or the Rhode Island Parole Board for current certificate application procedures.
RIDOC and Rhode Island Reentry Resources
RIDOC Transitional Services and Discharge Planning (doc.ri.gov/programs-services/transitional-services-discharge-planning): Discharge planner assigned as individuals near release; pre-release forums inside facilities; housing, mental health, health services, SUD, MAT coordination; post-release follow-up.
RIDOC MAT Program (CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, codac.org): Full OTP (methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone, Vivitrol) in all ACI facilities; discharge planning for MAT continuation; Centers of Excellence for post-release outpatient MAT.
Rhode Island DHS (dhs.ri.gov; 1-855-697-4347): SNAP applications; benefits assistance.
HealthSource RI / EOHHS (healthsourceri.com; 1-855-840-4774): Medicaid (RIte Care) applications; 1115 reentry waiver status.
Rhode Island DMV (dmv.ri.gov): State ID and driver's license.
Rhode Island Department of Health Vital Records (health.ri.gov; 401-222-2812): Birth certificates; $22 per copy.
Rhode Island Certificate of Recovery and Reentry: Rhode Island Parole Board; contact through RIDOC.
Rhode Island Legal Services (rils.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income Rhode Islanders, including benefit access, housing rights, and reentry matters.
Rhode Island Board of Elections (elections.ri.gov): Voter registration; vote.ri.gov.
211 Rhode Island (ri211.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, and social services.
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Rhode Island's corrections system unique?
Rhode Island is one of six states with a unified jail-prison system -- RIDOC operates all adult corrections through the Adult Correctional Institutions complex in Cranston. There are no separate county jails. Everyone goes through the same agency, which means discharge planning, MAT, Medicaid coordination, and post-release services are all centralized through RIDOC and its community partners.
What is RIDOC's MAT program for people leaving prison?
Since November 2016, all RIDOC facilities have offered a full, federally-regulated Opioid Treatment Program -- one of the first state corrections systems in the country to do so. CODAC Behavioral Healthcare contracts with RIDOC to provide methadone, buprenorphine, Suboxone, and Vivitrol, along with assessment clinicians, MAT clinicians, a discharge planner, and peer support specialists. Upon release, MAT continues through Rhode Island's Medicaid-funded Centers of Excellence on an outpatient basis. Justice-involved individuals are included in Rhode Island's Health Home initiative. Ask the CODAC discharge planner before release which Center of Excellence will continue your care and whether an appointment has been scheduled.
Can I get Medicaid after prison in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible. Apply at dhs.ri.gov or through HealthSource RI (healthsourceri.com; 1-855-840-4774). If you were receiving MAT in RIDOC, your discharge planner should coordinate Medicaid enrollment and post-release care continuity through the Centers of Excellence before your release date. Rhode Island's pending 1115 reentry waiver would provide 90 days of pre-release Medicaid coverage -- confirm its current approval status at eohhs.ri.gov.
What is Rhode Island's 1115 reentry waiver?
Rhode Island has requested 90 days of pre-release Medicaid coverage for all Medicaid-eligible incarcerated individuals as part of a comprehensive 1115 waiver addendum. The proposal is one of the most ambitious in the country -- Rhode Island proposed offering eligible individuals their full Medicaid plan benefits rather than just the minimum required services. This reflects Rhode Island's small correctional population and the desire for all Medicaid-eligible individuals to have complete support when they leave correctional facilities. The waiver was pending CMS approval as of July 2024. Confirm the current approval status at eohhs.ri.gov or with your RIDOC discharge planner.
Can I get SNAP benefits after prison in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP subject to standard income and eligibility requirements. Apply through Rhode Island DHS at dhs.ri.gov or call 1-855-697-4347. Note that federal SNAP changes effective November 2025 may affect noncitizen eligibility -- confirm current rules at dhs.ri.gov.
Can I vote after prison in Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island suspends voting rights only during incarceration for a felony conviction. Upon release, your voting rights are automatically restored -- even while you are on parole or probation. No waiting period or petition is required. Register to vote at vote.ri.gov. Contact Rhode Island Legal Services (rils.org) or the Board of Elections (elections.ri.gov) if you have questions.
How do I get my birth certificate in Rhode Island?
If you were born in Rhode Island, request a certified copy from the Rhode Island Department of Health Vital Records at health.ri.gov or by calling (401) 222-2812. The current fee is $22 per copy. Ask your RIDOC discharge planner whether the facility can assist with this before release. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office early -- out-of-state requests take time.
How do I replace my Social Security card in RI?
Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate. Ask your RIDOC discharge planner whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing this to begin up to 90 days before release. SSA reentry benefits information is at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
What is the Certificate of Recovery and Reentry?
The Rhode Island Certificate of Recovery and Reentry was created by the Rhode Island Legislature in 2013 and is issued by the Rhode Island Parole Board. It is available to individuals with no more than one non-violent felony conviction (or any misdemeanors), no violent offense or gun crime, after a three-year wait from sentence completion (one year for misdemeanor). The certificate serves as a Parole Board determination that the individual has achieved recovery and reentry, and is a positive factor in employment, professional licensing, housing, and benefit access decisions. Contact RIDOC or the Rhode Island Parole Board for current application procedures.
What reentry services does RIDOC provide?
RIDOC (doc.ri.gov) provides: discharge planners assigned as individuals near release; pre-release forums inside facilities; discharge planning covering housing, mental health, SUD treatment, MAT continuation, and health service coordination; a medical discharge planner for complex health needs; and post-release follow-up through community partner agencies. CODAC Behavioral Healthcare provides MAT (full OTP) at all RIDOC facilities and coordinates MAT continuation through Centers of Excellence. Rhode Island Legal Services (rils.org) provides free legal help. 211 Rhode Island (ri211.org; dial 211) provides statewide referrals. ---
Stay Connected with InmateAid
Reach Your Loved One in Rhode Island
InmateAid helps families stay in touch. Set up discounted calls, send letters and photos, add money, or send approved magazines - all in one place.