R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-18.7-1: Medical benefits for employees on extended medical leave.

Whenever an employee who has been employed on a full-time basis by an employer for at least three (3) months and who is an insured member of a group hospital, surgical, or medical insurance plan is placed on extended medical leave by the employer, the employee may remain on the group hospital, surgical, or medical insurance plan and the benefits of the plan may be continued for no more than eighteen (18) months from the date the employee was placed on extended medical leave.