Health Insurance in New Hampshire

Find plans and explore healthcare options in the Granite State.

Understanding New Hampshire's Healthcare System

New Hampshire utilizes the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, **HealthCare.gov**, for residents seeking individual and family health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This platform allows Granite Staters to compare private insurance options and access federal subsidies to reduce costs. New Hampshire also adopted the ACA's Medicaid expansion, providing coverage to more low-income adults through its **Granite Advantage Health Care Program**, which is part of the broader New Hampshire Medicaid system.

Navigating coverage in New Hampshire involves understanding these key components. HealthCare.gov serves as the portal for subsidized private plans, while NH Medicaid and the Granite Advantage program offer comprehensive coverage for eligible low-income residents. Familiarity with these options, alongside employer-sponsored insurance and Medicare, helps residents make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Staying informed about the HealthCare.gov Open Enrollment period, eligibility for financial assistance or Medicaid, and plan details is essential for securing affordable coverage. Use our free tools to get an instant quote or evaluate local market rates for Marketplace plans in New Hampshire.

Map of New Hampshire highlighting healthcare

New Hampshire Health Insurance Coverage ()

Employer

~58%

Non-Group

~7%

Medicaid/CHIP

~15%

Medicare

~20%

Military

~3%

Uninsured

~4.5%

Source: Approximate percentages based on KFF analysis of recent ACS data (e.g., 2022/2023). Note: Categories may overlap; percentages may not sum exactly to 100%.

New Hampshire Health Facts at a Glance

Overall Health Ranking

#5

Est. Population (2025)

~1.4 M

Avg. Lifespan

~78.5 yrs

Avg. Hospital Stay / Day

~$3,000+

Avg. Health Expenditure / Person

$11,793*

Number of Hospitals

~30

*Avg. Health Expenditure per capita (KFF, 2020 data). Other stats based on most recent available data (2021-2025) - All stats are illustrative and need updating.

Health Insurance Programs for New Hampshire Residents

New Hampshire offers health coverage options through several key federal and state programs:

  • Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov): New Hampshire uses the federal marketplace where individuals and families can compare and enroll in private health plans. This is the only place to access federal financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) based on income.
  • New Hampshire Medicaid: Provides comprehensive health coverage to eligible low-income residents, including children, pregnant individuals, parents/caretakers, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • Granite Advantage Health Care Program: This is New Hampshire's Medicaid expansion program, offering coverage to eligible adults aged 19-64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
  • NH Healthy Kids: This is the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), providing low-cost or free coverage (depending on income) for children and teens up to age 19 in families who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid.
  • Medicare: The federal insurance program for people 65 and older and younger individuals with qualifying disabilities.
  • Patient Assistance Programs: Various programs may help eligible individuals afford prescription medications.

These programs, along with employer-sponsored insurance, aim to provide comprehensive coverage options for Granite Staters.

New Hampshire Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans are permitted in New Hampshire and generally follow **federal regulations**. These plans are designed to offer temporary coverage during gaps in more comprehensive insurance. Key aspects under current federal rules include:

  • Initial policy terms can last **up to 364 days**.
  • Policies may be renewable, allowing for a potential total duration of **up to 36 months**. (Recent federal changes aim to shorten this, but state adoption varies).

It is vital to understand that short-term plans are **not compliant with the ACA**. They typically **exclude pre-existing conditions**, are not required to cover essential health benefits (like maternity, mental health, preventive care, prescriptions), and often have coverage limits and high out-of-pocket costs. Insurers can deny applications based on health status.

While available in New Hampshire, these plans should be considered only for very specific, temporary situations by individuals who are fully aware of their significant limitations compared to comprehensive ACA plans available on HealthCare.gov.

Finding Health Coverage In New Hampshire

Securing health insurance in New Hampshire involves exploring options through employers, public programs like Medicaid/Granite Advantage, or the federal marketplace. Understanding eligibility and enrollment periods is key.

New Hampshire Open Enrollment via HealthCare.gov

For New Hampshire residents purchasing individual or family health insurance, Open Enrollment takes place on the **Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov**. The enrollment period typically runs from **November 1st to January 15th** each year. Residents needing to enroll in or change private plans must use HealthCare.gov during this time to ensure coverage for the upcoming year. This is also the only platform to access federal subsidies. Missing this window generally requires a qualifying life event to enroll through a Special Enrollment Period.

New Hampshire Health Insurance Quotes

ACA-compliant private health plans are available for purchase on **HealthCare.gov**. Eligible New Hampshire residents can receive federal financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) exclusively through this platform, significantly lowering costs for many. Comparing plans offered by participating carriers like Anthem, Ambetter, and Harvard Pilgrim based on premiums, deductibles, provider networks, and coverage benefits is crucial. Our free quoting service can help you explore these Marketplace options. Enter your zip code to compare quotes and connect with local agents or navigators for free enrollment help.

Major Health Insurance Providers in New Hampshire

Several insurance carriers offer individual and family plans on the New Hampshire Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov). Key participants often include:

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (Matthew Thornton Health Plan)
  • Ambetter from NH Healthy Families (Celtic Insurance Co.)
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England

Plan availability and specific networks can vary by county. It's important to use the plan comparison tools on HealthCare.gov to verify offerings in your specific location.

Carefully review plan details, especially provider directories and drug formularies, along with costs, before making a decision. Free assistance from navigators and brokers is available through HealthCare.gov's "Find Local Help" tool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance New Hampshire

Is Health Insurance Mandatory in New Hampshire?

No, **New Hampshire does not have a state-level individual mandate** requiring residents to maintain health insurance coverage. Additionally, the federal penalty for lacking coverage under the ACA is currently $0. Therefore, there is no financial penalty for being uninsured in New Hampshire. However, having health insurance is highly recommended for financial protection against potentially high medical costs.

What's the Cost of Health Insurance in New Hampshire?

The cost of private health insurance in New Hampshire varies based on factors such as age, location, plan selection (metal level, network), tobacco use, and family size. Financial assistance to lower costs is available exclusively through **HealthCare.gov** for eligible residents. This includes federal premium tax credits and potentially cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans. Eligibility for low-cost or free coverage through **NH Medicaid** or the **Granite Advantage** expansion program should also be explored based on income. Comparing specific plan costs and subsidy eligibility on HealthCare.gov is the best approach. Use our free estimate tool for baseline market rate comparisons.

How to Secure Health Insurance in New Hampshire?

Residents of New Hampshire can obtain health coverage through several methods:

  • Employer-Sponsored Plans: Coverage offered by an employer.
  • Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov): Compare and enroll in private individual/family plans, access federal subsidies. Enroll during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 - Jan 15) or SEP.
  • Directly from Insurance Companies: Purchase plans off-marketplace (no subsidies).
  • NH Medicaid / Granite Advantage / NH Healthy Kids (CHIP): Free or low-cost coverage for eligible residents based on income, age, disability status, etc. Apply year-round via NH DHHS or nheasy.nh.gov.
  • Medicare: Federal program for those 65+ or with certain disabilities.
  • Short-Term Plans: Temporary, limited-benefit plans purchased directly from insurers (follows federal rules).
Free enrollment assistance is available through HealthCare.gov's "Find Local Help" tool, connecting you with navigators or brokers.

The Impact of Obamacare on New Hampshire Insurance Rates

The ACA (Obamacare) significantly influenced New Hampshire's health insurance system. It established consumer protections, standardized benefits in compliant plans, and provided access to federal subsidies via **HealthCare.gov**, making private insurance more affordable for many. A key development was New Hampshire's adoption of **Medicaid expansion** through the **Granite Advantage Health Care Program**, which extended coverage to thousands of low-income adults previously ineligible for Medicaid. These ACA provisions have worked together to reduce the state's uninsured rate and improve access to comprehensive coverage options.

Bottom Line

Finding health insurance in New Hampshire involves exploring employer options, checking eligibility for NH Medicaid/Granite Advantage, or using HealthCare.gov to shop for private plans and subsidies. Compare plans from carriers like Anthem, Ambetter, and Harvard Pilgrim during Open Enrollment (Nov 1 - Jan 15). Understand that there is no state mandate penalty, and while short-term plans are allowed under federal rules, they provide limited coverage. Utilize resources like HealthCare.gov's comparison tools and free local assistance. Our quote tool or estimate tool can help streamline your search for suitable and affordable health coverage in the Granite State.