Medicaid Eligibility in New Hampshire: Income Limits & How to Apply

Medicaid Eligibility in New Hampshire

Thanks to ACA Medicaid expansion, New Hampshire offers coverage through NH Medicaid for adults earning up to 138% FPL — approximately $21,597/year for an individual and $44,367/year for a household of four in 2026.

Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire covers:

• Adults aged 19-64 with income up to 138% FPL
• Children in families with income up to 200-300% FPL (varies by age)
• Pregnant women with income up to 185-200% FPL
• Seniors and people with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements

About NH Medicaid

If you're a New Hampshire resident looking for affordable health coverage, you have options through NH Medicaid or the HealthCare.gov marketplace. NH Medicaid, also known as the Granite Advantage Health Care Program for adults, covers individuals with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single person, this means an income of about $20,783 per year, for a household of two, around $28,207, and for a household of three, approximately $35,632. Children up to age 18 can qualify with higher household incomes, up to 323% FPL, and pregnant women up to 201% FPL. As of 2024, approximately 182,100 New Hampshire residents are enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, demonstrating it's a widely utilized program.

If your income is slightly above the NH Medicaid limit, you may qualify for subsidies to help pay for a health plan on HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. For example, if your income is just over 138% FPL, you could receive significant tax credits, especially given New Hampshire's benchmark Silver plan is around $401/month, which is lower than the national average. This means your out-of-pocket premium could be very low, or even $0, depending on your income. Keep in mind that income changes can shift your eligibility between NH Medicaid and marketplace subsidies, so it's important to report any changes to ensure you remain in the correct program. New Hampshire recently saw a decline in Medicaid enrollment during the "unwinding" period after the COVID-19 public health emergency, meaning many people may have lost coverage and can reapply if their circumstances have changed.

NH Medicaid offers comprehensive benefits with little to no cost-sharing for most services. This typically includes doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, mental health care, and substance use disorder treatment. New Hampshire also has several Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) waivers, like the Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver, which helps seniors and adults with disabilities receive care at home or in assisted living facilities instead of nursing homes. These waivers can even allow you to hire family members, including spouses, as caregivers. Telehealth services are also widely covered by NH Medicaid for medically necessary services, including audio-only options, with reimbursement rates the same as in-person visits.

When applying for or renewing NH Medicaid, be aware that you will receive notices in the mail, often "pink" or "yellow" letters, requesting updated information for redetermination. It's crucial to respond to these notices promptly to avoid losing your coverage. While there are no asset tests for most income-based (MAGI) Medicaid programs in New Hampshire, certain long-term care programs may have asset limits. If you lose Medicaid coverage, you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in a marketplace plan. You can apply through HealthCare.gov or directly through the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). For assistance, you can contact the DHHS Customer Service Center or reach out to NH Navigator for free and unbiased health insurance enrollment help.

New Hampshire Medicaid Income Limits 2026

The following table shows the key income thresholds for New Hampshire in 2026:

If your household income falls below the 138% FPL column, you qualify for NH Medicaid. If your income is between 138% and 400% FPL, you qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies to help pay for private insurance.

Marketplace insurance in New Hampshire is relatively affordable — the benchmark Silver plan runs about $401/month before subsidies, which is below the national average. This means subsidies stretch further here.

Marketplace Insurance in New Hampshire

New Hampshire residents who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase private health insurance through the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. The average benchmark (second-lowest cost Silver) plan in New Hampshire costs approximately $401/month for a 40-year-old in 2026.

Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Here is what a 40-year-old individual in New Hampshire might pay after subsidies:

These are estimates for an individual. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and the specific plan you choose. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays.

Residents of New Hampshire shop for marketplace insurance through HealthCare.gov, the federal exchange. The application process screens for Medicaid eligibility first, so you'll be directed to New Hampshire's program if you qualify.

Since expanding Medicaid, New Hampshire has enrolled hundreds of thousands of adults in NH Medicaid. Residents whose income fluctuates around the 138% FPL threshold can move between Medicaid and subsidized marketplace coverage as their circumstances change.

How to Apply for NH Medicaid

1. Apply online through HealthCare.gov. The system will automatically check your Medicaid eligibility based on your income and household size.
2. Apply directly through your state's Medicaid agency. You can apply year-round — there is no enrollment period for Medicaid.
3. Call the Medicaid hotline for New Hampshire to get help with your application or check your eligibility over the phone.
4. Visit in person at your local Department of Social Services or county human services office.

Gather your documents before applying: proof of income (W-2s, pay stubs, or tax returns), proof of New Hampshire residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, and any current insurance information.

Frequently Asked Questions

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