Hampton Senator Seeking Input on Medicaid Expansion

Release submitted by the state of New Hampshire


Sen. Nancy Stiles, R-Hampton, is inviting citizens to offer their input at a meeting on the issue of proposed Medicaid Expansion to be held later this month.

The Commission to Study the Expansion of Medicaid Eligibility will convene on Tuesday, August 27th in Representatives Hall in the Statehouse starting at 1:00pm, with public comment scheduled for 2:00pm-4:00pm.     

Commenting on the need for public input, Stiles, who is one of three senators on the nine member commission, said, “Over the past several weeks, we’ve heard from various state departments that specialize in the Medicaid program, as well as other experts in the field, so now we’re at the point where we need the public’s take on whether or not they think New Hampshire should expand Medicaid coverage.  Public input is a key component to our deliberations as the commission works towards making its final recommendations on the subject.” 

Commission Recap:     The Commission to Study Expansion of Medicaid Eligibility was created as part of the 2014-2015state budget in order to further examine the potential costs and benefits of expanding Medicaid Eligibility in New Hampshire as allowed under the Affordable Care Act. Members are required to file a report containing their recommendations by Oct. 15th.    

To date, highlights regarding testimony include: 

• The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services’ Medicaid Division sharing an overview of current services provided and possible expansion options.

• The state’s Insurance Department explaining its role as the state moves forward under the requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

• Brian Osberg of the National Governors Association and Joy Johnson Wilson of the National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) explaining the waiver process and how other states are handling the decision of whether to expand.