New Hampshire Medicaid for Nursing Home Care (2026)
In New Hampshire, nursing home Medicaid is called New Hampshire Medicaid and is run by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Here are the rules that decide who qualifies, in plain English, with links to the official sources.
The base limit is $2,500, but since 2024 New Hampshire disregards an extra $5,000 for nursing home applicants. Some older guides still say $2,500.
Income above the limit goes toward the cost of care (a “spend-down”), and Medicaid pays the rest.
What the resident keeps each month for personal items. Most other income goes to the nursing home.
Gifts or transfers for less than fair value in this window can delay coverage.
Figures for 2026. Checked against official sources October 2026.
If the applicant is married
Federal “spousal impoverishment” rules protect the spouse who stays at home, so they are not left without money.
- Savings the at-home spouse can keep: between $32,532 and $162,660 in 2026, depending on how New Hampshire applies the rule and the couple’s total assets.
- Monthly income for the at-home spouse: at least $2,705 a month and up to $4,066.50, topped up from the resident’s income if needed.
- The home: usually protected while a spouse lives there. Without a spouse at home, equity above $752,000 (up to $1,130,000 in some states) can make an applicant ineligible.
How to apply
- Start early. States must decide most applications within 45 days, but missing paperwork often makes it longer. Ask whether coverage can be backdated to the months before you applied.
- Gather records: ID, Medicare and insurance cards, proof of income, and bank and investment statements (often for the full look-back period).
- Apply with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: official application page, or call 1-844-275-3447.
- Ask the nursing home for help. Most have a business office or social worker who handles Medicaid applications every week.
Good to know in New Hampshire
New Hampshire does not use income trusts. A resident with income over the regular limit can still qualify if their income is below the cost of care; it then goes toward the nursing home bill. The personal needs allowance rose from $90 to $93 a month in January 2026. Questions: 844-ASK-DHHS.
Nursing homes in New Hampshire that accept Medicaid
71 of the 73 nursing homes in New Hampshire on Medicare’s list accept Medicaid. Medicaid beds can be limited, so ask each home whether it has one available and whether it will keep a resident who moves from private pay to Medicaid.
Find homes that accept Medicaid in New Hampshire → All nursing homes in New Hampshire Best-rated homes in New Hampshire
Free help
The New Hampshire Long-Term Care Ombudsman (1-800-442-5640) helps nursing home residents and families with problems, including Medicaid admissions and discharges, at no cost. For planning around a home, savings or a spouse, a certified elder law attorney can advise on what is allowed.
Questions about Medicaid in New Hampshire
Does Medicaid pay for nursing homes in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire Medicaid pays for long-term nursing home care for people who need that level of care and meet the income and asset rules. Medicare, by contrast, covers only short rehab stays after a hospital admission.
How much money can you have to qualify for Medicaid in New Hampshire?
A single applicant can have up to $7,500 in countable assets (2026 figure). The home, one car and personal belongings usually do not count.
What is the Medicaid look-back period in New Hampshire?
60 months. Gifts or sales below value during that time can cause a period when Medicaid will not pay for care.
How much income does a nursing home resident on Medicaid keep in New Hampshire?
$93 a month for personal needs. Most other income goes toward the cost of care, after any allowance for a spouse at home.
Sources
- CMS-approved SPA effective 1/1/2024 (medicaid.gov, PDF)
- medicaidplanningassistance.org: medicaid eligibility new hampshire
- National Consumer Voice 2026 personal needs allowance chart (theconsumervoice.org, PDF)
- NH Long Term Care Ombudsman (cms.gov)
- NH DHHS State Release SR 25-40 (dhhs.nh.gov)
- CMS: 2026 SSI and spousal impoverishment standards
- CMS: spousal impoverishment standards effective July 1, 2026
This page explains the general rules and is not legal or financial advice. Medicaid rules change, and each case depends on the details: confirm with the state agency before making decisions. Medicare vs. Medicaid · Nursing home cost planner · VA benefits for veterans