New Hampshire Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in New Hampshire.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Processing Time
30-45 days for standard Medicaid; CFI waiver applications take 45-60 days. New Hampshire generally has shorter wait times than many states due to adequate capacity.
New Hampshire Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in New Hampshire, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). New Hampshire follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,964/month
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,500
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$154,140 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
New Hampshire Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $11,467/month average (semi-private), $12,578/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in New Hampshire).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in New Hampshire
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in New Hampshire once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $11,467/month average (semi-private), $12,578/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Choices for Independence (CFI) - Residential Care/Assisted Living: New Hampshire's CFI waiver includes services for individuals living in residential care facilities (assisted living). The waiver covers personal care services, medication management, and care coordination. However, room and board costs are not covered by Medicaid—residents must pay housing costs from their income or other sources.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
New Hampshire offers 2 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver
Serves individuals age 18+ (including elderly) who meet nursing facility level of care. Provides adult day services, assistive technology, case management, consumer-directed services, environmental modifications, home-delivered meals, homemaker services, non-medical transportation, nursing oversight, personal care, respite care, and specialized medical equipment. Approximately 4,500 participants statewide.
Program Details →In-Home Supports Waiver
Serves adults with acquired brain disorders requiring specialized supports. While primarily for younger adults with brain injuries, some older adults qualify post-stroke or post-accident.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Medicaid applications typically take 30-45 days for standard Medicaid; CFI waiver applications take 45-60 days. New Hampshire generally has shorter wait times than many states due to adequate capacity.. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire through:
- Online at nheasy.nh.gov (NH EASY - Electronic Application System)
- Phone: 1-844-275-3447 (toll-free NH Medicaid Customer Service)
- Download application at dhhs.nh.gov and mail to: DHHS, 129 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301
- In-person at District DHHS office (12 locations statewide)
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in New Hampshire from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
New Hampshire-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI)
QMB pays Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. SLMB pays Medicare Part B premium. QI pays Part B premium with limited funding.
Learn MoreMedicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities (MEAD)
Allows working individuals with disabilities to buy into Medicaid with higher income limits (up to 350% FPL) while paying affordable premiums on a sliding scale.
Learn MoreServiceLink Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Free statewide network providing information, counseling, and assistance with long-term care options and Medicaid applications. Nine regional offices.
Learn MoreNeed Help with New Hampshire Medicaid?
Contact New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.