Neighborhood is the Only Medicaid Health Plan in Rhode Island to Receive 4.5 out of 5; Also Achieves NCQA Health Equity Accreditation for Medicaid and Exchange Products
September 16, 2025 (Smithfield, RI) – Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood) has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s highest-rated Medicaid health plans, earning a 4.5 out of 5 in the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) 2025 Medicaid Health Plan Ratings. This recognition marks the 22nd consecutive year—since NCQA began rating Medicaid plans—that Neighborhood has ranked in the top 10% nationally. In addition, Neighborhood is also the only Medicaid health plan in Rhode Island to achieve a 4.5 out of 5 rating.
Neighborhood has also earned NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation for its Medicaid and Exchange products – affirming its commitment to reducing health disparities and improving care for all Rhode Islanders.
“Neighborhood’s 22-year streak as a nationally recognized and top-rated NCQA Medicaid Health Plan is a powerful testament to the quality of care we provide and the dedication of our team,” said Neighborhood President and CEO Peter Marino. “Moreover, being the only Medicaid health plan in Rhode Island to receive 4.5 out of 5 speaks volumes about our mission-driven approach and the strength of our outstanding provider partnerships – including our terrific federally qualified health centers who care for about half of our members.”
NCQA’s Medicaid Health Plan Ratings evaluate health plans based on the care patients receive, their satisfaction with that care, and the plans’ efforts to drive continuous improvement. In NCQA’s 2025 ratings, Neighborhood is one of 14 Medicaid health plans nationwide, and the only one in Rhode Island, to receive an overall rating of 4.5 (nationally, no Medicaid health plan received a 5 out of 5 rating). Notably, Neighborhood scored 4.5 out of 5 for Prevention and Equity, improving in 11 of 18 measures.
NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation recognizes organizations that lead the market in providing culturally and linguistically sensitive services and work to reduce health care disparities. This was Neighborhood’s first time applying for this level of accreditation, which recognizes Neighborhood’s efforts to identify and address health disparities, promote culturally and linguistically appropriate services, and engage communities in meaningful ways.
“Each of our members deserves access to high-quality care that truly meets their needs,” said Neighborhood Chief Medical Officer Kristin Russell, M.D. “Achieving NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation affirms our commitment to addressing disparities and enhancing the safety, effectiveness, and responsiveness of care and reflects the commitment and collaboration that fuel our mission and drive better health outcomes.”
According to NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane, “The prevalence of racial and ethnic disparities has been a barrier to improving the quality of health care of many Americans for too long. Organizations achieving Health Equity Accreditation are leaders in closing this gap, and NCQA commends them for their dedication.”
To learn more about Neighborhood, its NCQA rating, and NCQA accreditation and its quality improvement program, visit www.nhpri.org.