Key threshold: If your income is below $22,025 (individual) or $45,540 (family of 4), you likely qualify for NH Medicaid with free or very low-cost coverage. No premiums, no deductibles.
New Hampshire Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The following table shows the key income thresholds for New Hampshire in 2026:
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid Limit) | 400% FPL (Subsidy Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $177,440 |
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.
About NH Medicaid
Who Qualifies for 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 You're Near the Income Line
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.
What NH Medicaid Covers
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.
Tips for Applying
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.
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 for a Silver plan after subsidies, based on the $401/month benchmark:
| Income Level | Annual Income | Your Cost | Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $23,940 | ~$80/mo | $321/mo |
| 200% FPL | $31,920 | ~$173/mo | $228/mo |
| 250% FPL | $39,900 | ~$277/mo | $124/mo |
| 300% FPL | $47,880 | ~$392/mo | $9/mo |
| 400% FPL | $63,840 | ~$401/mo | $0/mo |
These estimates are for a 40-year-old individual on a benchmark Silver plan in New Hampshire. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and plan choice. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays. New Hampshire uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
How to Apply for NH Medicaid
Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — there's no deadline. You can apply through any of these channels:
- Online: Apply through HealthCare.gov — the system automatically checks your NH Medicaid eligibility when you enter your income. Or apply directly through NH Medicaid.
- Phone: Call New Hampshire's Medicaid helpline for guided help with your application.
- In person: Visit your local human services office or a certified application counselor.
You'll need proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of New Hampshire residency, and Social Security numbers for household members.
Calculate Your Subsidy in New Hampshire
Enter your income, age, and household size to see if you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies in New Hampshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in New Hampshire?
In 2026, the Medicaid income limit in New Hampshire is 138% of the federal poverty level: $22,025 per year for an individual, $29,863 for a household of 2, $37,702 for 3, and $45,540 for a family of 4.
Does New Hampshire have Medicaid expansion?
Yes, New Hampshire has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults aged 19-64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for NH Medicaid.
Can I get ACA subsidies in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire residents with household income between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,960 to $63,840 for an individual in 2026) qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of marketplace health insurance. Apply through HealthCare.gov.
What is the New Hampshire Medicaid program called?
New Hampshire's Medicaid program is known as NH Medicaid. It provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents including children, pregnant women, seniors, and adults up to 138% FPL.
How do I keep my health insurance if I lose Medicaid in New Hampshire?
If your NH Medicaid coverage ends due to income changes or redetermination, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the marketplace. This gives you 60 days to sign up for a private plan through HealthCare.gov. If your income is between 100-400% FPL, you'll likely qualify for subsidies to help cover the cost.
Am I eligible for NH Medicaid if I'm employed?
Yes. Medicaid eligibility in New Hampshire is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not your employment status. If your household income is at or below 138% FPL ($22,025 for an individual), you qualify for NH Medicaid even if you work full-time. Many NH Medicaid enrollees are working adults.
What's the difference between Medicaid and marketplace insurance in New Hampshire?
Medicaid (NH Medicaid) provides free or very low-cost coverage with no premiums. Marketplace plans in New Hampshire average $401/month before subsidies — relatively affordable compared to other states. If you're right at the Medicaid income boundary, subsidized marketplace Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions can offer solid coverage.