New Hampshire's Medicaid program covers more than 178,000 residents across several coverage categories, each with its own income limit. Whether you are a working adult, a parent, a child, or someone approaching retirement age, the income thresholds that determine your eligibility changed when new federal poverty guidelines took effect in 2026. This guide walks through the current limits for every major coverage group, shows you exactly how to apply, and answers the most common questions residents have when trying to figure out if they qualify.
How New Hampshire Structures Its Medicaid Program
New Hampshire operates its Medicaid program through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Unlike some states that use a single income cutoff, New Hampshire has separate eligibility categories depending on who you are and what kind of coverage you need.
The largest and most widely used category for adults is the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, which is New Hampshire's name for the Medicaid expansion created under the Affordable Care Act. Other categories cover children, pregnant women, seniors, and people who need long-term care in a nursing facility or at home.
New Hampshire has fully expanded Medicaid, meaning adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify based on income alone, without needing to meet additional requirements like having children or having a disability.
2026 Income Limits by Coverage Category
The income limits below are based on the 2026 federal poverty guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. New Hampshire updates its reference tables each spring after the federal guidelines are released.
Granite Advantage (Adults Ages 19 to 64)
This is the main coverage pathway for non-elderly adults. The income limit is 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). There is no asset test for this program.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 |
| 6 | $61,217 | $5,101 |
Children Under Age 19
New Hampshire covers children in families with significantly higher income than the adult expansion limit. Children qualify through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at up to 318% of FPL. There is no asset test for children's coverage.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $50,753 | $4,229 |
| 2 | $68,815 | $5,735 |
| 3 | $86,878 | $7,240 |
| 4 | $104,940 | $8,745 |
| 5 | $123,003 | $10,250 |
| 6 | $141,065 | $11,755 |
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women qualify at 196% of FPL. Coverage includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. New Hampshire extends postpartum Medicaid coverage for 12 months after delivery. There is no asset test.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 2 (mother + unborn) | $42,414 | $3,535 |
| 3 | $53,547 | $4,462 |
| 4 | $64,680 | $5,390 |
| 5 | $75,813 | $6,318 |
Older Adults and People with Disabilities (Non-Expansion Medicaid)
Adults who need regular Medicaid outside of the Granite Advantage expansion, such as people receiving assistance with daily living activities but not at a nursing home level of care, face lower income limits.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 person | $1,008 |
| Married couple | $1,492 |
Asset limits apply here: $1,500 for a single person and $1,500 for a married couple.
Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Medicaid
For residents who need nursing facility care or qualify for home and community-based waiver services at a nursing home level of care, the income limit in 2026 is $2,982 per month for a single applicant. Married couples where both spouses apply face a combined limit of $5,964 per month.
The asset limit for a single nursing home applicant is $2,500. For married couples where only one spouse is applying, the community spouse (the spouse living at home) may retain assets up to $162,660 under the Community Spouse Resource Allowance.
If your income exceeds $2,982 per month, you may still qualify through the spend-down program. You would pay the amount over the limit toward your medical costs, and Medicaid covers the rest.
Medically Needy Spend-Down Program:
- Single individual: $939 per month income limit, $2,500 in assets
- Couple: $1,093 per month income limit, $4,000 in assets
What Counts as Income
New Hampshire uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) methodology for the expansion categories, including Granite Advantage, children, and pregnant women. Under MAGI:
- Wages, salaries, and tips count
- Self-employment income counts
- Social Security benefits generally count
- Unemployment compensation counts
- Child support received counts
- Gifts and inheritances do not count
- Child support paid out does not count against income
For elderly and long-term care Medicaid, the income calculation is different. Most income sources count, including Social Security, pensions, and distributions from retirement accounts.
Who Does Not Need to Meet Income Requirements
New Hampshire automatically qualifies certain groups regardless of their income:
- Children in foster care under age 26
- Former foster youth up to age 26 who were in care on or after their 18th birthday
- Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in most cases
How to Apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before you start an application, collect the following:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Proof of New Hampshire residency (utility bill, lease, or mail showing your address)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, tax returns, award letters)
- Immigration documents if applicable
You do not need to gather asset documentation if you are applying for Granite Advantage, children's coverage, or pregnancy Medicaid.
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Online through NH EASY: The fastest option is to apply at nheasy.nh.gov. The portal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can upload documents, track your application, and manage your benefits once enrolled.
By phone: Call 1-800-852-3345, extension 9700 during business hours. A representative can take your application over the phone or schedule an appointment.
By mail or fax: Download the Application for Health Coverage and Help Paying Costs (Form 800MA) from the NH DHHS website. Mail it to your local district office or fax it to (603) 271-8604.
In person: Visit your local NH DHHS district office. Staff can help you complete your application and submit documents.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Documents
If you apply online, upload your supporting documents directly through NH EASY. If you apply by phone or mail, send documents separately or bring them to a district office. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
For most MAGI-based applications (adults, children, pregnant women), New Hampshire processes applications within 45 days. If your application involves a disability determination, processing can take up to 90 days.
During this time, DHHS may send you a notice requesting additional documents. Check your NH EASY account and your mail regularly so you do not miss a deadline.
Step 5: Enroll in a Health Plan
If approved for Granite Advantage, you will be enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO). New Hampshire currently contracts with NH Healthy Families and WellSense Health Plan (formerly Boston Medical Center HealthNet). You will receive a packet explaining your coverage options and have an opportunity to choose a plan.
What Granite Advantage Covers
The Granite Advantage Health Care Program provides comprehensive coverage including:
- Primary care visits and specialist referrals
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health and substance use disorder treatment
- Emergency and urgent care
- Preventive care and screenings
- Vision and dental services (through managed care plans)
- Laboratory and diagnostic services
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
Recent Policy Changes
New Hampshire extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months following delivery. Previously, coverage ended 60 days after birth. This change took effect in 2022 and remains in place for 2026.
The state updates its income limit tables each spring when the federal poverty guidelines are revised. The 2026 limits in this article reflect the guidelines published in January 2026 and effective March 1, 2026.
Check Your Eligibility Before Applying
Not sure if you qualify? Use the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check your household against current Medicaid rules and other programs you may be missing. The screener takes about three minutes and checks more than 11 programs at once.
You can also find additional information about benefits available to New Hampshire residents at benefitsusa.org/states/new-hampshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in New Hampshire in 2026?
The limit depends on which program you qualify for. Adults ages 19 to 64 qualify through Granite Advantage at 138% of FPL, which is $22,025 per year (about $1,835 per month) for a single person. Children qualify at up to 318% FPL, pregnant women at up to 196% FPL, and nursing home applicants have a flat limit of $2,982 per month.
Does New Hampshire have expanded Medicaid?
Yes. New Hampshire expanded Medicaid through the Granite Advantage Health Care Program. The expansion covers adults ages 19 to 64 who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. As of late 2025, approximately 60,900 residents were enrolled in this program.
Is there an asset limit for Medicaid in New Hampshire?
It depends on the program. Granite Advantage, children's Medicaid, and pregnancy Medicaid have no asset test. Long-term care Medicaid has a $2,500 asset limit for a single applicant. Regular Medicaid for older adults not in a nursing home has a $1,500 asset limit.
How long does it take to get approved for Medicaid in New Hampshire?
Most standard applications are processed within 45 days. Applications involving a disability determination can take up to 90 days. Applying online through NH EASY is generally the fastest method.
Can I apply for Medicaid if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employment income counts toward the income limit, but you may be able to deduct business expenses first. Your net self-employment income, after deducting allowable business costs, is what DHHS uses in the eligibility determination.
What happens if my income is over the limit?
If your income is slightly over the Granite Advantage limit, you may qualify for subsidized coverage through the ACA Marketplace instead. The marketplace covers adults with income from 100% to 400% of FPL and sometimes higher with enhanced subsidies. If you are in the nursing home income range and over $2,982 per month, you may qualify through the spend-down program.
Can immigrants apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire?
Lawful permanent residents who have been in the country for at least five years can qualify for full Medicaid coverage. Certain qualified immigrants are exempt from the five-year bar, including refugees and asylees. Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for full Medicaid but may be eligible for emergency Medicaid for life-threatening conditions.
How do I renew my Medicaid coverage?
New Hampshire renews Medicaid coverage annually. DHHS will send you a renewal notice before your coverage expires. The quickest way to renew is through your NH EASY account. Respond promptly to any renewal request to avoid a gap in coverage.
Where can I get help applying for Medicaid in New Hampshire?
You can get free application assistance by calling the DHHS Customer Service Center at 1-844-275-3447 (1-844-ASK-DHHS). Community health centers, hospital financial counselors, and certified application counselors can also help at no cost.
