Medicaid Plays a Vital Role for Hard-Working Granite Staters

Medicaid provides health insurance coverage for more than 187,000 hard-working Granite Staters. Because of Medicaid, vulnerable children and adults are able to access medical care and long-term care services. More than 89,000 children are covered by Medicaid, representing one in four children in New Hampshire. In addition to children, Medicaid provides health coverage for older adults, pregnant women, people living with disabilities, veterans, and those working hard in jobs that help fuel our economy.

It is likely someone you know and care about relies on Medicaid for their access to healthcare. Your older relative who receives supportive health services in their home, which helps them remain independent and connected to their community. Your neighbor whose job as a store cashier does not offer employer-sponsored health insurance. The young children at your neighborhood park, whose parents are self-employed small business owners. The waiter at your favorite restaurant. Your friend who lost their job and is trying to find new employment as they struggle to make ends meet. Medicaid provides a safety net for thousands of New Hampshire residents and families.

New Hampshire’s unique approach to expanded Medicaid, the Granite Advantage program, helps to fix a gap in the health care system for thousands of hard-working Granite State adults. In New Hampshire and across the country, people generally obtain their health insurance through an employer.  Granite Advantage plays an important role in making health coverage available to thousands of adults who don’t otherwise have access to health insurance through their jobs.

The Granite Advantage program provides coverage for more than 60,000 adults aged 19 to 64, many of whom work in jobs that have unpredictable wages and don’t have health insurance as a benefit, such as hospitality and service industries. Also, when people are self-employed or lose their access to employer-sponsored health insurance, NH’s Granite Advantage program can provide individuals with an option for health coverage.

Medicaid coverage enables senior citizens and older adults to access long-term care services and supports, which can help them to remain living independently in their homes or to access skilled nursing facility care that will keep them safe and provide support for their daily needs. Children and adults living with disabilities rely on Medicaid for short-term medical needs and for long-term care and supportive services in home or community settings.

Medicaid is particularly important in rural and less populated areas, where job opportunities are fewer and wages are often lower. Medicaid also supports small rural hospitals and health centers, enabling them to keep their doors open to serve the health needs of the community. Hospitals and health centers provide good paying jobs and serve as local and regional economic anchors. New Hampshire’s vital tourism industry depends on the availability of health and other services in its rural regions to remain robust and contribute to a strong economy.

The NH Medicaid Matters coalition of more than 80 organizations is working to ensure that vital health coverage will be there for Granite Staters when they need it. Sometimes, people who have Medicaid are not aware that they are covered by the program. You can view this helpful resource to learn if you or someone you know is covered through Medicaid.

A healthy population and a strong healthcare system creates positive benefits for all of us and provides greater opportunity for more Granite Staters to thrive.

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