R.I. Gen. Laws § 27-18.7-4: Transition to extended medical benefits.

Once an employee on extended medical leave has remained on a group hospital, surgical, or medical insurance plan for eighteen (18) months and is no longer eligible to participate in that plan, the employee shall be eligible for extended medical benefits under chapter 19.1 of this title as if the employee were involuntarily terminated from employment the day he or she is no longer eligible to participate in the plan as an employee on extended medical leave.