New Hampshire Health Insurance Guide

From scenic White Mountains to coastal towns and maple-shaded villages, New Hampshire remains a desirable place to live — and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and finances.

As of 2025, the uninsured rate in New Hampshire reflects steady enrollment improvements, thanks to Medicaid expansion and ACA access. If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in New Hampshire.

Health Insurance Options in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:

Employer-Sponsored Insurance

Many New Hampshire residents receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most cost-effective and convenient option.

ACA Marketplace Plans

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through federal or state Marketplaces. These plans offer essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protection for preexisting conditions.

If you don’t have employer coverage, you may qualify for subsidies to lower your premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your eligibility.

Starting this year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is requiring income verification to confirm eligibility for premium subsidies.

ACA Plan Types

ACA marketplace plans are available in four tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each with distinct coverage levels:

• Bronze: Low premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; best for minimal healthcare use.
• Silver: Moderate premiums and costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs; ideal for frequent healthcare users.
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket expenses.

Metal Tier Breakdown:

Medicaid

New Hampshire’s Medicaid program—called Granite Advantage Health Care—offers free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income residents. Medicaid plan benefits typically include hospital care, preventive services, prescriptions, mental health care, and more.

New Hampshire also operates a Medicaid Care Management Program with multiple managed care organizations (MCOs) that coordinate care for enrollees.

Short-Term Plans

Short-term medical (STM) plans offer temporary health coverage and can be a practical solution for individuals who are between jobs, waiting for other coverage to start, or facing a temporary gap.

In New Hampshire, STM plans are available but limited to a six-month duration and cannot be renewed back-to-back beyond state-imposed limits. These plans follow federal rules but are not ACA-compliant. They may not cover pre-existing conditions and typically exclude maternity, mental health, or preventive care.

While short-term health plans are not a replacement for comprehensive insurance, they may offer temporary coverage.

STM Plan Enrollment

Unlike ACA-compliant plans, you can enroll in short-term health plans year-round.

Quick Coverage Start: Many short-term plans can begin as soon as the next day after your application is approved.ry protection from unexpected medical costs.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Known as NH Healthy Families CHIP, this program helps children and pregnant women in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but need affordable health coverage.

Student Health Insurance

College students in New Hampshire can stay on a parent’s health plan until age 26, enroll in a university-sponsored student plan, or shop for ACA Marketplace coverage. Based on your income, you may also qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or low-cost short-term plans.

Learn more about New Hampshire student health insurance plans.

Medicare

Medicare provides health coverage for people 65+ and younger residents with qualifying disabilities. New Hampshire beneficiaries can explore these options:

• Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): These are private alternatives to Original Medicare, often bundling extra benefits such as vision or dental coverage.
• Medicare Part D: Standalone drug coverage plans that help pay for medications.
• Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap): These plans help cover deductibles, copays, and coinsurance not paid by Medicare Parts A and B.

The ServiceLink Resource Center offers support through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for those needing help navigating Medicare.

COBRA Coverage

If you recently lost your job-based insurance, COBRA allows you to temporarily continue your existing employer plan. This may be helpful while transitioning between jobs or securing new coverage.

Enrollment Periods in New Hampshire

• Open Enrollment for 2026 Coverage: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
  During this period, all eligible residents can apply, renew, or change their ACA Marketplace plan.
• Special Enrollment Period: Available year-round for those experiencing qualifying life events, such as:
  • Loss of coverage
  • Marriage or divorce
  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • Relocation
  • Major change in income

You typically have 60 days from the event to enroll.

Health Insurance Providers in New Hampshire

As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans through the federal Marketplace (HealthCare.gov):

• Celtic Insurance Company
• Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of NE
• Matthew Thornton Health Plan (Anthem BCBS)

Plan options and availability may vary by region. Some insurers also offer off-exchange plans directly to consumers.

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Before selecting a plan, it’s important to understand these key cost terms:

• Premium: What you pay each month to keep your plan active.
• Deductible: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before your plan starts to share costs.
• Copayment (Copay): A set fee for specific services like doctor visits.
• Coinsurance: The percentage you pay for services after meeting your deductible.
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using providers in your plan’s network can help reduce costs.

Use this glossary to understand these and other insurance terms.

Bottom Line

Health insurance in New Hampshire includes a wide range of choices—whether through an employer, the ACA Marketplace, Medicaid, or Medicare. By learning your options and enrolling during the appropriate window, you can find coverage that protects both your health and finances.

Need help selecting a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to explore eligibility for financial aid or talk to a licensed insurance agent for personalized assistance.