Medicare Plan New Hampshire is designed to provide healthcare coverage for those with certain health conditions and disabilities, or those older than 65 who live in the state. When you compare plans and decide on your level of coverage, make sure that all options have been considered when determining proper Medicare in New Hampshire.
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New Hampshire Medicare Insurance Trends
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in New Hampshire:
- 331,707 residents of New Hampshire are enrolled in Medicare.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium increased from $16.30 in 2023 to $16.69 in 2024.
- New Hampshire has 42 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2024.
- All New Hampshire residents with Medicare can purchase Medicare Advantage plans, including those with $0 premiums.
- In 2024, there are 21 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans offered in New Hampshire.
- The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare prescription drug plan is $0.50.
Medicare Offered in New Hampshire
Medicare is a government health care program that offers financial assistance to those 65 or older and people of any age with specific disabilities.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare consists of Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A is typically free and covers various hospital services, including inpatient care. Medicare Part B usually covers necessary medical services, preventive screenings, and durable medical supplies.
Medicare Part B usually requires a premium, and the income of the beneficiary determines this. Both Medicare Part A and Part B also include out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are available from the Medicare-approved private carriers in New Hampshire. They combine Original Medicare and Medigap. This provides you with Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, with additional coverage for prescription drugs or services not covered in Original Medicare. Each plan comes with various benefits and will have differing costs.
Medicare Advantage enrollment in New Hampshire is lower than the national average, but it’s growing rapidly. Some of the companies that are currently offering Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire are:
- Martin’s Point Generations Advantage
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Lasso
- WellCare
- WellSense
Note that plans vary by location, and some may not be available in your area.
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Medicare Supplement Plans
Original Medicare doesn’t pay for all healthcare costs. Depending on your needs, you may decide to get a Medigap insurance policy from one of the providers available to you in New Hampshire. These policies can help cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments so that you don’t have to worry about money when it comes time for treatment.
These Medigap policies also offer additional benefits that are not included in Medicare Part A and Part B and help cover the cost of deductibles and copays. It’s important to remember that the plans with the lowest premiums often have higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Some companies offering Medigap plans in New Hampshire include:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Colonial Penn
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Mutual of Omaha
- State Farm
- USAA
New Hampshire Medicare Enrollment
Residents of New Hampshire are eligible for Medicare if they are a U.S. citizen and above 65 years old or are under 65 but are permanently disabled, have end-stage renal disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Use Medicare’s online eligibility tool if you are unsure if you qualify.
Requirements
- You are 65 or older, and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.
- You are under age 65 and collect benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least 24 consecutive months.
- You have ESRD or ALS.
Enrollment Period Dates
Initial Enrollment Period
This is a seven-month window that allows you to sign up for a plan
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan or leave a plan
- Begins Starts October 15th
- Ends December 7th
Special Enrollment Period
Special enrollment periods allow you to enroll outside the regular enrollment periods under specific circumstances.
General Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible or if you’re not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can switch or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
New Hampshire Enrollment Tips & Advice
These are the programs that can help pay for all or some of the costs associated with Medicare. They are offered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. These come with income and resource limits to ensure that the assistance only goes to low-income Medicare beneficiaries.
The program for Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) is the most generous. This QMB program covers Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, along with the premium penalties for late enrollment. It also covers Medicare deductibles and coinsurance expenses. Those who receive QMB benefits can also still be eligible for New Hampshire Medicaid.
The next program is for the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB). This pays for the Medicare Part B premium, but the SLMB may still be eligible for Medicaid.
The state has a Medicare Learning Center in each county where Medicare beneficiaries can receive advice and answers to Medicare and health insurance questions. The counseling services are free and unbiased.
Other resources:
- New Hampshire Insurance Department
- New Hampshire Health Cost
- New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
If you have any questions about New Hampshire Medicare and your eligibility for supplement or advantage plans, speak to one of our licensed agents today. Our agents will discuss your Medicare options and help find a plan that works for you.
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