Most participants in the New Hampshire Health Protection Program are now able to enroll in the Premium Assistance Program, which will transition health insurance to the private state marketplace.
The PAP expands coverage options available to participants, who will see greater choice and flexibility in finding a health plan that works best for themselves and their families.
Coverage through the PAP starts Jan. 1, 2016.
“The PAP is the next phase of the state’s health care program that has expanded insurance coverage to tens of thousands of New Hampshire residents,” said New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Nick Toumpas. “The private marketplace will increase competition among health plans, which will lead to more affordable choices for participants and lower costs to the State.”
He said that PAP enrollees will be able to choose a health plan that works with the medical professionals they currently see and offer the medications that they currently use.
The PAP provides insurance coverage through commercial health plans, known as Qualified Health Plans.
Toumpas said that five insurance carriers are offering QHPs to PAP participants including Ambetter from New Hampshire Healthy Families; Anthem; Community Health Options; Harvard Pilgrim Health Care; and Minuteman Health.
Individuals currently enrolled with New Hampshire Healthy Families will be automatically enrolled in their commercial health plan Ambetter, but will have the option to choose another plan. Individuals enrolled with Well Sense Health Plan will be asked to pick a QHP.
New Hampshire residents between the ages of 19 and 65 who meet certain household income levels are eligible.
Eligible residents have received letters from the Department of Health and Human Services that describe the program and the process for selecting a QHP.
Enrollees may shop for qualified health plans on NHEASY.nh.gov or by setting an appointment at a local ServiceLink. Those enrolling also can call the DHHS Medicaid Service Center at 1-888-901-4999 for more information about choosing a plan.
NHHPP participants who require Medicaid services not covered by the PAP, or those who receive health insurance through their employer and are enrolled in the Health Insurance Premium Program, will not participate in the PAP.
Medicaid members who are not part of the New Hampshire Health Protection Program will not be affected by the transition to the PAP and will continue to receive medical care through Medicaid Care Management.
Well Sense and New Hampshire Healthy Families, the two Medicaid Managed Care Organization health plans for New Hampshire, will continue to offer insurance coverage to the non-NHHPP Medicaid participants.
Date: December 28, 2015