New Hampshire Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in New Hampshire

New Hampshire expanded Medicaid through the NH Health Protection Program in 2014, initially through a waiver-based approach. New Hampshire uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace. The state has a relatively small marketplace with competitive options in its southern tier (near Boston) but more limited options in rural northern areas.

Average Health Insurance Costs in New Hampshire

Marketplace Enrollment in New Hampshire

New Hampshire residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov (Federal). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace).

Average Premiums by City in New Hampshire

Medicaid in New Hampshire

NH Health Protection Program (Medicaid expansion) covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in New Hampshire

NH Healthy Kids covers children under 19 in families with incomes up to 318% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes New Hampshire Unique

New Hampshire's Medicaid expansion was initially structured as a premium assistance program — using federal Medicaid funds to purchase private marketplace plans for eligible adults — rather than traditional fee-for-service Medicaid. New Hampshire later transitioned to a more traditional managed care structure.

ACA Subsidies: What New Hampshire Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

New Hampshire’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

New Hampshire residents enroll through HealthCare.gov. Full-price premiums rose about 17.3% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 4 insurers sold plans for 2026; Ambetter (Celtic) is leaving for 2027, so its enrollees need to choose a new plan. Proposed 2027 changes average about 18.4% before subsidies.

About 66,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 55% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $200 a month.

Open enrollment for 2027: November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in New Hampshire

About 12,000 New Hampshire enrollees with Ambetter must choose a new plan for 2027 because the insurer is leaving. A state reinsurance program has operated since 2021. New for 2026, New Hampshire prohibits balance billing for ground ambulance services.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire residents near Boston benefit from proximity to a broad provider network. Medicaid expansion covers low-income adults. NH Healthy Kids provides coverage for children. ACA subsidies reduce marketplace costs for eligible residents. Rural northern New Hampshire residents may have more limited plan options.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 15 (federal marketplace)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which insurers are leaving the New Hampshire marketplace for 2027?

Ambetter (Celtic) is leaving for 2027. Enrollees with that insurer should choose a new plan during open enrollment; an automatic replacement may have a different network or drug list.

When is open enrollment in New Hampshire for 2027?

November 1, 2026 through January 15, 2027 on HealthCare.gov; enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1.

How much do New Hampshire marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 55% of New Hampshire enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $200 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official HealthCare.gov (Federal) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.