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New Hampshire Health Insurance
Health insurance is an indispensable alternative that we cannot do without. Even though, buying suitable health insurance coverage for your family is expensive, it needs a comprehensive evaluation of all future risks and its effect on your finances. More than 47 million Americans are uninsured, majority of whom are the working families. These families often expose themselves to the crushing medical expenses of the lack of proper health coverage. However, for those families who are not covered under their employers’ group plan, there are low-cost state sponsored health insurance programs.
According to the America's 2008 Health Rankings, New Hampshire is the 3rd healthiest state to live in and obtain better healthcare services. The state continues to maintain its place in the top five healthiest states list; the state was at 4th and 3rd spot in 2007 and 2006 respectively. The moderate prevalence of binge drinking, moderate public health funding, decline in the prevalence of smoking and the decrease in the percentage of children under 18 in poverty have led to a robust health care system in the state. New Hampshire, having the population of more than one million citizens, boasts of both private-market and public health insurance alternatives. The private-market health insurance comprises of numerous types of health plans including family, Medicare supplemental, short-term, student, group and dental. Additionally, the state and federal government sponsored programs provide low-priced health coverage to the uninsurable residents of New Hampshire who meet specific eligibility requirements.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department is in charge for regulating all types of insurance sold in the state of New Hampshire including health insurance policies offered by private-market health insurers or public health coverage programs. However, despite all positive health features of the state, approximately 11% of the population remains uninsured. According to the Censor Bureau’s 2007 and 2008 Current Population Survey, approximately 48.5% uninsured New Hampshire residents come under the above 200% FPL category.
Choosing a health plan is not as simple as it was before. Before buying a particular health policy, consult with a licensed health insurance agent/broker to avail the appropriate health insurance alternatives.
Individual/Family Health Insurance
Below is the guidelines for applying for and obtaining individual health insurance in the state of New Hampshire. These regulations apply to all insurance companies offering individual or family health insurance in New Hampshire:
| Medical Underwriting | Yes |
Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Period | 9 months |
Look Back Period | 6 months |
Look Back Standard | Objective |
Mandatory Benefits | Cancer screening for women including breast cancer screening, reconstructive surgery after mastectomy, direct access to OB/GYNs, eating disorder parity, maternity care |
Market Rate Restrictions | Yes |
Guaranteed Issue Options | None |
Small Group Health Insurance
Below is the guidelines for small group health insurance in the state of New Hampshire. These regulations apply to all insurance companies offering small group health insurance in New Hampshire:
| Small Group Size | 1-50 |
Employee Qualifications | Two employees must be present for half of the preceding calendar quarter and |
Guaranteed Issue | Yes |
Premium Rating Factors | Adjusted Community Rating |
Rate Adjustment Factors | Modified Community Rate |
Look-Back Period | 3 months |
Pre-existing condition exclusionary period | 9 months |
Mandatory Benefits | Same as individual |
State Cobra Variations for Small Groups
Below are the COBRA guidelines for small groups in the state of New Hampshire. For employer groups of more than 20 employees, refer to the federal COBRA guidelines:
| Mini-Cobra Option | Yes |
Eligible Group Sizes | 2-19 |
Extension of Benefits Period - Standard | 18 months |
Extension of Benefits Period - Disabled | 18 months |
Maximum Premium Increase | 102% |
State Legislation Reference | |
Additional Notes | Certain qualified individuals may qualify for an additional 18 months of coverage. |
State Sponsored Health Insurance Programs
There are several state sponsored health insurance programs in the State of New Hampshire to assist those without insurance in obtaining adequate coverage.
High-Risk Pools
Some states offer special state sponsored health insurance plans for qualified persons that are not eligible for individual health insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions. The guidelines for enrollment in these programs vary by state. The high-risk pool in the State of New Hampshire is summarized in the chart below:
| Plan Name | New Hampshire Health Plan (NHHP) |
Website | |
Phone Number | 877-888-NHHP (6447) |
HIPPA Eligibility Required? | Yes |
Available Carriers | Benefit Management Inc. |
Pre-Existing Condition Waiting Period | 9 months |
Enrollment Periods | No Current Enrollment Waiting Periods |
Premium Limits | No more than 150% of the standard rate |
Lifetime Maximum Benefit | $2.5 million |
Special Notes | To be eligible for the coverage, you must be a resident of New Hampshire; you have applied for individual health insurance within the last 6 months; you were denied for health reasons or, you were quoted a premium rate higher than a substantially similar NHHP plan; you are federally eligible and have exhausted any COBRA coverage offered. |
Children’s Health Insurance Program
Through shared funding from the federal government, the State of New Hampshire provides health insurance for uninsured children that meet certain eligibility guidelines. A summary of this program is outlined in the chart below:
| Program Name | New Hampshire Healthy Kids |
Website | |
Phone Number | 877-464-2447 |
Apply Online | Yes |
Age Limits | Under 19 |
Insurance Carrier | Harvard Pilgrim |
Length of Coverage | 12 months |
Residency Requirements | New Hampshire resident and U.S. citizen, refugee, asylee, permanent resident who has been in the U.S. for at least five years |
Other Eligibility Requirements | Children should not be eligible for Medicaid |
Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions | None |
Cost | $0 for Gold Program. Monthly premium for Silver Program is based on family size and household income. |
Medicaid
Medicaid is a state program partially funded through the federal government. Qualification guidelines, as well as the types of people that are eligible, will vary by state. The chart below provides a summary of the Medicaid programs in the State of New Hampshire:
| Governing Agency | Department of Health and Human Services |
Website | http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/MEDICAIDPROGRAM/default.htm |
Phone Number | 800-852-3345 ex 5254, 603-271-5254 |
Residency Requirements | New Hampshire resident and U.S. citizen |
Federal Poverty Line Income Limits | Infant: 300% FPL |
Additional Resources
New Hampshire Health Care Options Matrix™ Guide
Provided by the Foundation for Health Coverage Education, the guide is a quick reference guide prepared by the non-profit Foundation for Health Coverage Education that outlines New Hampshire’s public and private health care choices for individuals and groups with various demographic profiles.
Family Health Insurance Guide by HealthInsuranceFinders.com
The guide created by HealthInsuranceFinders.com provides useful information regarding health insurance coverage such as individual/family health insurance, group health insurance, separate child health insurance and state-sponsored programs that are available for low to middle income families.
New Hampshire: At-A-Glance
Provides all-inclusive health data of New Hampshire. Statehealthfacts.org is a project of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and is designed to provide free, up-to-date, and easy-to-use health data on all 50 states.
