Everyone deserves access to high-quality, affordable healthcare in order to thrive. Unfortunately, New Hampshire residents are increasingly feeling the burden of rising healthcare costs, leading to tough decisions when resources are limited.
Healthcare providers across the state, from hospitals to community health centers, face challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled employees, which strains the healthcare system and contributes to rising costs and a lack of accessibility. New Hampshire employers also struggle to offer meaningful health benefits, as health premiums and deductibles continue to climb.
In response, three organizations are working to engage communities, residents, employers, and other stakeholders to find solutions and improve healthcare access and affordability in the Granite State.
NH Health Cost Initiative (NHHCI)
The NH Health Cost Initiative (NHHCI) brings together healthcare consumers, providers, business owners, and community leaders to develop solutions to rising healthcare costs. The Initiative provides a comprehensive overview of factors contributing to the state’s increasing healthcare costs and highlights efforts underway to make healthcare more affordable.
NHHCI recently partnered with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce to survey employers about their experiences with healthcare. The results revealed that many businesses struggle to hire and retain employees due to high healthcare costs. In response, NHHCI hosted a panel discussion to explore these findings and begin a conversation about potential solutions.
The Initiative is also working to raise up the stories of Granite Staters struggling to afford healthcare. One critical issue raised was the decline of hospital labor and delivery units in rural areas. The closure of these units creates barriers for families and weakens local economies, making it harder for employers to retain workers in these regions.
NHHCI is expanding efforts to involve more New Hampshire residents in the conversation about healthcare costs and access. A "Share Your Story" feature on NHHCI’s website provides individuals the opportunity to share their experiences and join efforts to advocate for solutions.
HealthForce NH
HealthForce NH is committed to addressing workforce shortages in healthcare and collaborates with partners to build a stronger pipeline to fill critical roles across the state, ensuring that the healthcare system can support all residents. The work is informed by The NH Giving Care Strategic Plan, a roadmap to ensure the state’s healthcare system has the necessary resources and workforce to meet both current and future needs.
In 2024, HealthForce NH surveyed over 150 healthcare sector stakeholders to identify key priorities for the year ahead. Based on the results, HealthForce is currently focused on five priorities for the coming year:
Exploring housing allowances for new employees in high-cost areas
Attracting students to healthcare careers
Ensuring smooth credit transfer between community colleges and four-year programs
Aligning workforce compensation with neighboring states
Expanding insurance coverage for essential services like case management and community health workers.
HealthForce NH also runs the Innovation Challenge to encourage creative solutions for workforce development and retention. The competition offers monetary awards to the top three ideas, which are then supported for implementation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address workforce shortages and improve healthcare access.
A new website, launching in early 2025, will further engage the community and share information about workforce development efforts in the state.
Foundation for Healthy Communities (FHC)
The Foundation for Healthy Communities (FHC) is a partnership between New Hampshire hospitals, health plans, home care agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders. FHC focuses on fostering collaboration to improve healthcare access, quality, health equity, and prevention. In 2024, FHC worked with partners and stakeholders to create a new strategic plan aimed at ensuring all New Hampshire residents achieve their highest potential for health and well-being.
In addition to its core mission, FHC is actively expanding access to healthcare through programs like the NH Navigator program. This initiative helps residents understand and access health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. In 2024, FHC was awarded a five-year contract to continue assisting residents with enrollment. Through public outreach, FHC helped thousands of Granite Staters explore their healthcare options.
In the coming year, FHC plans to deepen community engagement and identify new opportunities for collaboration to further support access to healthcare for everyone in New Hampshire.
A Strong Health Care System Benefits All of Us
Access to an affordable and accessible healthcare system is vital for everyone in New Hampshire. A strong healthcare system benefits our people and our economy. Addressing the challenges of rising healthcare costs, workforce shortages, and access barriers will strengthen New Hampshire’s future.
Collaboration between residents, employers, healthcare providers, and policymakers is key to finding innovative solutions that ensure high-quality healthcare is available to all residents, regardless of income or location. The ongoing efforts of organizations like HealthForce NH, the Foundation for Healthy Communities, and the NH Health Cost Initiative are making a difference. By working together, we can build a healthier, more prosperous future in the Granite State.
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