Rhode Island winters can be long, and they can be expensive. Between heating bills, icy sidewalks, and shorter days, it helps to know where to turn. Here’s a roundup of winter resources for Rhode Island seniors, from heating help to free vaccines to ways to stay connected until spring.
We’re not affiliated with any of the programs below. We just think they’re worth knowing about.
Help With Heating Bills
LIHEAP Heating Assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households pay for heat. Applications are taken through local community action agencies. It also offers crisis help if your utility is being shut off, you can’t afford a fuel delivery, or your heating system breaks down and can’t be repaired. Learn about LIHEAP or call 211 to find the agency near you.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund
If your income is too high for LIHEAP but you’re still struggling with energy bills, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund may help. It offers one-time assistance with heating and electric bills. Call United Way at 211 to see if you qualify.
Winter Shutoff Protections
Rhode Island has a winter moratorium, generally November 1 through April 15, that limits gas and electric shutoffs for nonpayment. There are conditions, so if you’re falling behind, call Rhode Island Energy early and ask about payment plans and the protections you may qualify for.
Stay Healthy: Winter Vaccines Medicare Covers
Cold and flu season is the time to make sure you’re protected. Medicare covers these vaccines, usually at no cost to you:
- Flu shot, once each flu season (Part B)
- COVID-19 vaccine (Part B)
- Pneumonia vaccines (Part B)
- RSV and shingles vaccines, covered at no cost under Part D drug plans
Your local pharmacy can usually give most of these. Bring your Medicare card and your drug plan card. While you’re at it, schedule your free Annual Wellness Visit. Here are a few more free Medicare benefits many people miss.
Prevent Falls on Ice and Snow
- Wear shoes with good traction, and consider slip-on ice grips for walks outside.
- Keep salt or sand by the door, and ask family or neighbors for help with shoveling.
- Add brighter bulbs or nightlights for the dark afternoons and early mornings.
- Ask your local senior center whether your town has volunteer snow removal for older residents.
Medicare’s Annual Wellness Visit includes a fall risk check, and Part B can cover physical therapy to build strength and balance when your doctor says it’s needed.
Stay Connected During the Darker Months
- The POINT is Rhode Island’s free information line for adults 55 and older and their caregivers. It connects you to local help with transportation, programs, and more, 24 hours a day. Call (401) 462-4444 or 211.
- Senior centers across the state offer low-cost classes, meals, and day trips all winter. Find one through the Office of Healthy Aging.
- Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island delivers meals to people who can’t easily shop or cook, along with a friendly check-in.
- RIPTA’s reduced fare program can make winter errands and appointments easier if you’d rather not drive in snow.
For more ways to save around the state, see our guide to senior discounts and community resources in Rhode Island.
A Medicare Note for the New Year
If you changed plans during Annual Enrollment, your new coverage starts January 1. Bring your new card to your first appointment and your first pharmacy visit. And if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan that isn’t working out, you have one more chance to switch during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, January 1 through March 31.
We’re Here All Winter
Questions about your coverage don’t take a winter break, and neither do we. Call (401) 413-4183 or book a free, no-pressure review. Wishing you a warm and healthy winter from all of us at Ellen Daniels Agency.
Keep Reading
- Senior Discounts & Community Resources in Rhode Island
- Older Americans Month: 5 Free Medicare Benefits You’re Probably Not Using
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31): What You Can and Can’t Do
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