Medicare Help in New Hampshire: Programs That Pay for Care (2026)

New Hampshire has more than 300,000 Medicare beneficiaries, and several state and federal programs can significantly reduce or eliminate care costs for seniors who know where to look. ServiceLink, New Hampshire's free SHIP counseling service, gives any Medicare beneficiary access to a certified, unbiased counselor at no cost. The Choices for Independence Medicaid waiver funds home care so eligible seniors can stay home rather than enter a nursing facility. Medicare Savings Programs can pay the full $185 monthly Part B premium for qualifying individuals. Most families I speak with have never heard of ServiceLink by name, and many don't know the Choices for Independence waiver exists. That is exactly what this guide is here to change.

What Is ServiceLink and How Can Free Medicare Counseling Help You?

If you are on Medicare in New Hampshire and feeling confused about your coverage options, ServiceLink should be your first call.

ServiceLink is New Hampshire's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a federally funded service that provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to any NH resident. ServiceLink counselors are certified, they don't sell insurance, they earn no commissions, and they have no reason to steer you toward any particular plan. Their only job is to help you understand your situation.

One of the most consistent things I hear from New Hampshire families is that they spent months confused about Medicare before a single ServiceLink appointment cleared everything up. That's not a rare outcome. NH seniors who use ServiceLink commonly leave with a written action plan, a recommendation on plan changes that could save them $100 to $300 a month, or both.

What a ServiceLink counselor can help you with:

• Comparing Medicare Advantage plans with Original Medicare based on your doctors and prescriptions
• Reviewing Medigap options during your open enrollment period
• Choosing or switching a Part D prescription drug plan
• Identifying Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help you may qualify for
• Reviewing your Explanation of Benefits for billing errors
• Preparing and filing a Medicare claim appeal
• Planning your first Medicare enrollment before you turn 65

ServiceLink offices are located in Concord, Manchester, Laconia, Portsmouth, Keene, and Littleton, with counselors serving all New Hampshire counties. Appointments are available in person or by phone. There is no fee and no income limit. Any NH Medicare beneficiary can use this service at no cost.

The Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) is the busiest time of year for ServiceLink. I strongly recommend calling several weeks before that window opens to schedule your appointment, rather than waiting until mid-October when appointment slots can fill quickly.

Call ServiceLink through NH BEAS at 1-800-852-3388. You can also find your local ServiceLink office at dhhs.nh.gov or by dialing 2-1-1, New Hampshire's statewide community services helpline.

Does New Hampshire Have a Program That Pays Family Caregivers?

In short: Does New Hampshire Have a Program That Pays Family Caregivers?: This is one of the most common questions I hear from NH families.

This is one of the most common questions I hear from NH families. The short answer is yes, there is a pathway, but it works differently than New York's CDPAP program that many families have heard about.

New Hampshire does not have a standalone consumer-directed caregiving program. What it does have is a self-directed supports option within the Choices for Independence (CFI) Medicaid waiver. If you qualify for the CFI waiver and choose to direct your own care, you can hire, train, and manage your own personal care attendant, and in many cases that person can be a family member.

Who can be paid as a caregiver under CFI self-directed supports

• An adult child or stepchild
• A sibling, cousin, or other family member
• A neighbor, friend, or trusted community member
• Anyone you recruit who can meet the basic training and background check requirements

Spouses and legally responsible parents cannot be hired as paid caregivers under this option. Beyond that restriction, New Hampshire gives families considerable flexibility in who they choose.

A fiscal intermediary handles the employment paperwork and payroll processing. The fiscal intermediary acts as a co-employer, managing tax withholding, background checks, and pay disbursement. You direct the care and schedule while the intermediary manages the administrative side. You are not responsible for setting up payroll yourself.

The self-directed option does require that you, or a designated representative such as a family member, be able and willing to act as the employer of record. If that level of involvement feels like too much, you can still receive CFI services through a licensed home care agency instead. Agency-directed care is the more common path for participants who prefer someone else to handle staffing and scheduling.

The key limitation in New Hampshire is that CFI has an active waiting list. New Hampshire cannot immediately enroll all eligible applicants because demand currently exceeds capacity. I always tell families: apply as soon as you think you might qualify, even if the need is not urgent today. An early spot on the waitlist can mean months of faster access when the situation becomes pressing.

To start the CFI application and assessment process, call NH BEAS at 1-800-852-3388 or 1-866-634-9412. A case manager will complete a level-of-care evaluation and begin the Medicaid financial eligibility review.

What Does the Choices for Independence Waiver Cover?

In short: What Does the Choices for Independence Waiver Cover?: The Choices for Independence (CFI) waiver is New Hampshire's primary Medicaid program for older adults and adults with.

The Choices for Independence (CFI) waiver is New Hampshire's primary Medicaid program for older adults and adults with physical disabilities who need nursing-facility level of care but choose to live at home or in their community instead. The CFI waiver covers a wide range of home and community-based services at no cost to eligible participants.

Services covered under the CFI waiver

• Personal care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility
• Homemaking: Light cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation
• Home-delivered meals: Nutritious meals delivered to your door
• Adult day services: Supervised daytime programs in a community setting
• Respite care: Temporary relief for family caregivers
• Transportation: Rides to medical appointments and community activities
• Home modifications and assistive technology: Grab bars, ramps, medical alert systems, and similar items
• Case management: A dedicated care coordinator helps you plan and monitor your services

Who qualifies for the CFI waiver

To qualify, you must meet three requirements:

1. Be age 18 or older (priority given to those 65 and older)
2. Qualify for New Hampshire Medicaid based on income and asset limits
3. Be assessed as needing nursing-facility level of care

Income and asset limits for 2026

CFI uses New Hampshire Medicaid financial eligibility standards. The income limit for a single applicant is approximately $2,829 per month, which equals 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate. The asset limit is $2,500 for a single person. Your primary home, one vehicle, and certain personal property are typically not counted as assets for this determination.

Married applicants follow different rules, and a community spouse protection allowance may apply. A ServiceLink counselor or an elder law attorney familiar with NH Medicaid rules can help you understand how these rules work for your specific household.

The CFI waiting list

CFI currently has an active waiting list in New Hampshire. New Hampshire cannot immediately enroll everyone who meets the eligibility criteria because program capacity is limited. The wait period varies and can span several months or longer. If you think you or a family member might qualify, contact NH BEAS now to begin the process and secure your place in line.

Call NH BEAS at 1-800-852-3388 to start your CFI application or ask questions about eligibility.

Related: What Does a Medicare Patient Advocate Actually Do?

ServiceLink (NH SHIP, free counseling)
  Phone: 1-800-852-3388
  Or dial 2-1-1 (NH community helpline)

Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI)
  Apply: NH DHHS  1-844-275-3447

Extra Help (Part D drug costs)
  Apply: Social Security  1-800-772-1213

CFI Waiver (home care + self-directed caregivers)
  Start: NH BEAS  1-800-852-3388

NH Long-Term Care Ombudsman
  Phone: 1-800-442-5640

NH Insurance Department (Medigap questions)
  Phone: 1-800-852-3416

Understood Care (Medicare patient advocacy)
  Phone: 646-904-4027
  Web: understoodcare.com

Annual Enrollment Period: Oct 15 - Dec 7
Medicare.gov plan comparison: medicare.gov/plan-compare

Is There Prescription Drug Help for New Hampshire Seniors?

In short: Is There Prescription Drug Help for New Hampshire Seniors?: This is a question that matters a great deal in New Hampshire.

This is a question that matters a great deal in New Hampshire. Unlike some neighboring states, New Hampshire does not have a state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) for Medicare beneficiaries.

States like Connecticut and Maine have set up their own drug assistance funds that work alongside federal Medicare Part D coverage. New Hampshire has not created one. That makes the federal options even more critical for NH seniors.

Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy)

Extra Help is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that can dramatically reduce Medicare Part D drug costs. Qualifying for full Extra Help can save up to $5,300 per year on prescription costs. For 2026, full Extra Help benefits include:

• No Part D monthly premium
• No Part D deductible
• Copays as low as $1.10 for generic drugs and $4.50 for brand-name drugs

The income limit for Extra Help is approximately $22,590 per year for a single person and $30,660 for a married couple (150% of the federal poverty level). The asset limit is $17,220 for individuals and $34,360 for couples. These limits are more generous than full Medicaid, so many people who don't qualify for Medicaid still qualify for Extra Help.

Apply for Extra Help through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or online at ssa.gov. The application takes about 20 minutes. If you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help and do not need to apply separately for drug coverage help.

Medicare Savings Programs and prescription costs

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) help pay Medicare Part B premiums and, at the highest tier, cover deductibles and cost-sharing too. Qualifying for QMB, the highest MSP tier, also triggers automatic Extra Help enrollment for your Part D drug costs.

Apply for Medicare Savings Programs through NH DHHS at 1-844-275-3447. One application covers all MSP tiers, and the agency enrolls you in the highest tier you qualify for.

Choosing the right Part D plan

If your income is above the Extra Help limit, you may still reduce drug costs significantly by choosing the right Part D plan. Plans differ widely in formularies and copay tiers. A ServiceLink counselor can run a free plan comparison using your actual medication list and identify which plan saves you the most money on your specific drugs. Call 1-800-852-3388 to schedule that no-cost review.

How Does Medigap Work in New Hampshire?

Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, is private health insurance that fills the gaps in Original Medicare: the deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that Medicare doesn't cover.

In New Hampshire, Medigap follows federal standardization rules. A Plan G sold by any insurer in NH covers exactly the same services as a Plan G sold by any other insurer. The only difference between companies is the monthly premium you pay.

Your most important window: the open enrollment period

When you first enroll in Medicare Part B (typically at age 65), you have a 6-month open enrollment window during which insurance companies must sell you any Medigap plan they offer at standard rates. This is called guaranteed issue. Insurers cannot turn you down or charge higher premiums based on your health history during this window.

Once that 6-month window closes, the rules change. In New Hampshire, insurers can then apply medical underwriting, meaning they can turn you down or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. Federal law provides guaranteed issue rights in limited situations, such as losing employer coverage, moving out of a plan's service area, or when your Medicare Advantage plan leaves the market. Outside of those specific circumstances, you may not be able to switch plans without underwriting.

New Hampshire has no birthday rule

Some states allow residents to switch Medigap plans once a year during a period tied to their birthday, without medical underwriting. New Hampshire is not one of those states. Once your initial 6-month open enrollment window closes, switching Medigap plans in NH typically requires passing medical underwriting. This makes your initial plan choice especially important.

Most commonly chosen NH Medigap plans in 2026

Note: Plan F and Plan C, which covered the Part B deductible, are no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you were eligible before that date, you may still be able to enroll in those plans.

Contact the NH Insurance Department at 1-800-852-3416 with complaints or questions about Medigap insurers. ServiceLink counselors can also walk you through Medigap options at no cost at 1-800-852-3388.

What Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in New Hampshire?

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies as an alternative to Original Medicare.

They cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most plans bundle in Part D prescription drug coverage. Many also include extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, and over-the-counter (OTC) allowances.

About 35% of New Hampshire's Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage, while the remaining 65% stay with Original Medicare. Whether Medicare Advantage is the right choice depends on your specific doctors, your prescriptions, and how you typically use healthcare throughout the year.

Major Medicare Advantage carriers in New Hampshire (2026)

The three largest carriers in New Hampshire's Medicare Advantage market are:

• UnitedHealthcare (including AARP-branded plans): approximately 34% of the NH Medicare Advantage market
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Elevance Health): approximately 16% of the NH Medicare Advantage market
• Cigna Healthcare: approximately 2% of the NH Medicare Advantage market

Other carriers operating in parts of New Hampshire include Harvard Pilgrim (Point32Health), Tufts Health Plan, and WellSense Health Plan. Plan availability varies significantly by county. Rural counties in the North Country, including Coos County, typically have fewer plan options than the Manchester-Nashua corridor or the Seacoast region.

A critical gap: no dual-eligible plans in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is one of only four states in the country that does not offer Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). D-SNPs are Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Because NH does not offer D-SNPs, dual-eligible residents coordinate their Medicare and Medicaid coverage through Original Medicare and NH Medicaid separately, rather than through a single integrated plan. This is an important planning consideration for anyone who is enrolled in, or applying for, both programs.

What to look for when comparing NH Medicare Advantage plans

• Are your current doctors in the plan's network?
• Are your prescriptions on the plan's formulary, and at which cost tier?
• What is the plan's annual out-of-pocket maximum?
• Does the plan offer dental, vision, hearing, or OTC benefits you would realistically use?
• What is the plan's CMS star rating (1 to 5 stars, with 5 being highest quality)?

Plans update their benefits, premiums, and provider networks every year. Even if you are happy with your current plan, I recommend reviewing it during every Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7). A ServiceLink counselor can run a free side-by-side comparison at 1-800-852-3388, or you can compare all plans in your zip code online at medicare.gov/plan-compare.

Related: Top 5 Patient Advocate Services for Medicare Advantage Plans in 2026

How Do Area Agencies on Aging Help New Hampshire Seniors?

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are community organizations funded under the federal Older Americans Act to connect older adults to services that help them remain independent.

In New Hampshire, the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) operates six regional district offices that carry out this mission across all ten NH counties.

Services available through NH BEAS district offices include:

• Senior nutrition programs: Congregate meals served at local senior centers, plus home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) for those who cannot leave home
• Transportation assistance: Help getting to medical appointments and community programs, particularly important in rural NH where public transit is limited
• Family caregiver support: Respite care, educational workshops, support groups, and information for family members caring for older adults
• Benefits counseling: Help applying for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and other financial assistance programs
• Health and wellness programs: Evidence-based classes in chronic disease self-management, fall prevention, and physical activity
• Legal assistance referrals: Connections to legal aid for seniors facing housing issues, consumer fraud, or elder law matters

NH BEAS district offices by region

Most services are available at no cost to adults age 60 and older. You do not need to be enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare to access many programs, though some services prioritize people with the greatest financial need when capacity is limited.

If you are not sure which district office serves your area, call 211 NH (dial 2-1-1) or reach NH BEAS centrally at 1-800-852-3388.

What Does the New Hampshire Long-Term Care Ombudsman Do?

In short: What Does the New Hampshire Long-Term Care Ombudsman Do?: If someone you love lives in a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or a residential care.

If someone you love lives in a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or a residential care home in New Hampshire, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program may be the most important resource you've never heard of. Many families don't discover it until they already have a serious concern, which is unfortunate because the ombudsman can often help prevent problems from escalating if contacted early.

The New Hampshire Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a free, confidential advocacy service for residents of licensed long-term care facilities. It is funded under the federal Older Americans Act and operated through NH BEAS. Trained ombudsman staff and certified volunteers visit facilities, speak with residents, and advocate for their rights and wellbeing.

What the NH Long-Term Care Ombudsman can help with

• Poor quality of care, neglect, or concerns about abuse
• Problems with food quality, hygiene, or living conditions
• Violations of residents' rights (privacy, dignity, freedom from inappropriate restraint)
• Disputes about discharge or transfer from a facility
• Unexplained billing charges or financial concerns
• Staff conduct or communication problems
• Help understanding a resident's rights under federal and state law

Ombudsman services are free of charge, and the program is confidential. Ombudsman staff will not share your name or the name of the resident with the facility without your permission. You can report a concern even if you are not certain it rises to the level of a formal complaint. It is better to call and let the ombudsman assess the situation than to wait and watch a problem grow.

Who can contact the ombudsman

Anyone can contact the NH Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: the resident, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a concerned staff member. There is no requirement to be the resident's legal representative or next of kin.

If you believe a resident is in immediate physical danger, call 911 first. Then contact the ombudsman to report the incident and request ongoing follow-up.

To reach the NH Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, call 1-800-442-5640. This toll-free line is available Monday through Friday during business hours. You can also reach the program through NH BEAS at 1-800-852-3388 or through the NH DHHS website.

How Do You Apply for Medicare Help Programs in New Hampshire?

Getting started doesn't have to feel overwhelming. The key is knowing who to call first and what to bring.

Here is a practical sequence that works for most New Hampshire Medicare beneficiaries who want to access the programs covered in this guide.

Step 1: Call ServiceLink for a free consultation

For almost any Medicare question, this should be your first call. A ServiceLink counselor will review your situation, identify programs you may qualify for, and help you decide which steps matter most for your circumstances. Call NH BEAS at 1-800-852-3388. There is no income requirement and no cost.

Step 2: Apply for Medicare Savings Programs if your income is limited

Medicare Savings Programs can eliminate your $185 monthly Part B premium and, at the QMB tier, your deductibles and cost-sharing too. Apply through NH DHHS at 1-844-275-3447. Have these documents ready:

• Your Medicare card (red, white, and blue card or Medicare Advantage card)
• Proof of income (Social Security award letter, pension statements, recent pay stubs)
• Recent bank statements or documentation of other assets
• Proof of New Hampshire residence (utility bill, lease, or similar)

One application covers all four MSP tiers (QMB, SLMB, QI, QDWI). The agency enrolls you in the highest tier you qualify for automatically.

Step 3: Apply for Extra Help for prescription drug costs

Extra Help can save up to $5,300 per year on Part D drug costs. Apply through Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or at ssa.gov. If you qualify for any Medicare Savings Program, you are automatically enrolled in Extra Help, so no separate application is needed for drug cost help.

Step 4: Get on the CFI waiver list if you need home care

If you or a family member needs ongoing personal care, homemaking, or other home-based support, contact NH BEAS at 1-800-852-3388. An assessor completes a level-of-care evaluation and begins the Medicaid financial eligibility review. Start this process as early as possible given the active waitlist.

Step 5: Connect with your regional BEAS district office

Use the phone numbers in the regional office table above to reach the BEAS office for your county. These offices connect you to meals, transportation, caregiver support, and legal assistance at no cost for adults age 60 and older.

Bringing a family member or trusted friend to any in-person appointment is often helpful. A second set of ears makes it easier to remember information and ask follow-up questions you might otherwise forget.

How Can Understood Care Help New Hampshire Medicare Patients?

I want to be honest about what Understood Care is and what we are not.

We are not an insurance company. We do not enroll you in plans or earn commissions for referrals. Understood Care is a Medicare patient advocacy service, and our job is to sit on your side of the table.

Many of the New Hampshire families who reach us have already tried to navigate the system on their own. They've called Medicare and waited on hold. They've received letters they couldn't interpret. They've had a claim denied and don't know whether to appeal or give up. Those are exactly the situations we are built to help with.

What Understood Care does for New Hampshire Medicare patients

• Coverage review: We look at your current plan and identify gaps, overpayments, or programs you should be enrolled in but aren't
• Program identification: We help you apply for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and other cost-reducing benefits you may be missing
• Appeals support: If Medicare or your plan denies a service, prescription, or procedure, we help you understand your rights and build a strong appeal
• Care coordination: We help you understand your treatment options and connect the dots between your providers and your coverage
• Local program connection: We help connect you to ServiceLink, your regional BEAS office, and NH-specific resources based on your individual situation

Medicare plans Understood Care works with in New Hampshire

Understood Care accepts Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Elevance Health), and Cigna in New Hampshire. These three carriers represent approximately 83% of New Hampshire's Medicare Advantage members. Original Medicare (fee-for-service) is also accepted. We confirm your coverage before your first appointment at no cost to you.

If you are one of the roughly 35% of NH Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, there is a good chance we already work with your insurer.

What to expect when you contact us

You will speak with a real advocate, not an automated phone system. We listen to your situation, identify what programs or issues apply to your case, and give you clear next steps. If there is a more immediate resource for your specific situation, we will point you there directly.

To reach Understood Care, visit understoodcare.com or call 646-904-4027.

Related: How to Appeal a Medicare Denial: Step-by-Step

Navigating Medicare in New Hampshire can feel like learning a new language, especially if you're doing it on your own. But you don't have to. The programs in this guide, ServiceLink, the Choices for Independence waiver, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, and your regional BEAS office, exist precisely because the system is complicated and the stakes are high. The seniors who get the most out of these programs are the ones who ask for help before they need it urgently. A 45-minute call to ServiceLink today might save you thousands of dollars next year, or get you on a waiting list for home care before a health crisis forces your hand. If you need a partner who can advocate alongside you through the Medicare system, Understood Care is here. Call us at 646-904-4027 or visit understoodcare.com. You are not alone in this.