NH DHHS announces public forums to introduce Granite Advantage Health Care Program

CONCORD — The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced a series of public forums across the state to introduce the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, the new health insurance program for people enrolled in expanded Medicaid.

In January 2019, Granite Advantage will replace the New Hampshire Health Protection Program’s (NHHPP) Premium Assistance Program (PAP). During the public meetings, DHHS will engage and inform on Granite Advantage open enrollment, the transition to Medicaid Care Management, and a new community engagement and work requirement.

“When the legislature created the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, it called on the department to transition people receiving health care coverage through commercial insurance carriers to Medicaid Care Management and introduced a community engagement and work requirement,” said DHHS Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers. “The transition to Granite Advantage means changes for members, and the department is holding these public forums to make it as seamless as possible for members to maintain their health insurance coverage and achieve healthy outcomes.”

Effective January 1, 2019, impacted individuals will receive health insurance through the New Hampshire Medicaid Care Management program, which uses two health plans to manage health care for members. All beneficiaries recently received a letter from DHHS regarding Granite Advantage open enrollment from Nov. 1-Dec. 28, when they can select one of the health plans to provide their health insurance coverage. These health plans cover the same services as the New Hampshire Medicaid program and also offer additional optional services, programs, and other extras to promote healthy behavior.

Granite Advantage also includes community engagement and work requirement for members between the ages of 19-64, unless otherwise exempted, to maintain their health insurance. Attendees at the public meetings will learn about the new requirement, the qualifying activities for meeting the 100 hours per month required to maintain eligibility.

The presentations will also cover Granite Workforce, a pilot work program for Granite Advantage members to assist them in meeting the work and community engagement requirement. Granite Workforce is being offered by NH Employment Security (NHES) and the NH Department of Health and Human Services, and will provide job training, case management services and employment supports.

DHHS will hold the 11 public forums throughout the state to allow individuals enrolled in the NHHPP, community organizations, providers, and other stakeholders to engage with DHHS on the transition to Medicaid Care Management. The sessions are scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. so that those who work during the day are able to attend. Public forums in Claremont will be announced when dates for those events have been determined.