CMS Approves Amended Waiver that Continues New Hampshire's Expanded Medicaid Program

Concord, NH - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Granite Advantage Health Care Program waiver, replacing the New Hampshire Health Protection Program. Beginning on January 1, 2019, the Granite Advantage Health Care Program will provide coverage to over 51,000 residents through the state's existing managed care organizations. The waiver also authorizes the work and community engagement requirement for able bodied adults.

Today's announcement by CMS approving this waiver ensures that people will continue to have access to expanded Medicaid health coverage while providing New Hampshire with the flexibility to control the costs of the Medicaid program and create the community engagement and work requirement.

"Health insurance leads to better health outcomes for individuals, and extending this critical program will allow Granite Advantage members to continue to receive health insurance while also building long-term job training skills and pursuing work and educational opportunities," said Governor Chris Sununu. "The community engagement and work requirement will help bring more people into the workforce, empowering individuals with the dignity of work, self-reliability and access to high quality health care."

"The decision by CMS provides clarity and certainty for the State's expanded Medicaid program, which has provided health insurance to more than 51,000 residents," said DHHS Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers. "As we begin the process of building the infrastructure that will lead to the successful implementation of the program, we will do so in an efficient, effective, and fair manner."

In June 2018, Governor Sununu signed SB 313 into law, establishing the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, which reauthorized expanded Medicaid while transitioning members to a health plan from a Medicaid managed care organization and established the community engagement and work requirement for members between the ages of 19 to 64 as a condition of continued Medicaid eligibility.

The Department is currently holding public information sessions around the state to educate beneficiaries and providers on all aspects of this new program. The schedule of these information sessions can be found at: www.dhhs.nh.gov/medicaid/granite/public-forums.htm

• CMS Approval Letter (November 30, 2018)
• CMS Special Terms and Conditions for New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program 1115 Demonstration -- 11-W-00298/1 (November 30, 2018)