Medicare coverage, criteria, and resources in the state of New Hampshire: An overview
In the world of healthcare, navigating through options can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to Medicare. This article aims to simplify the process and provide valuable information for those living in New Hampshire.
Firstly, it's important to know that Medicare will automatically sign up certain individuals for coverage. For example, if you have a disability and have received Social Security Disability Insurance for two years or have been diagnosed with ALS, you will be enrolled in Medicare.
Now, let's talk about special enrollment periods. Life events that affect your health insurance status, such as losing employer coverage or moving to a new area, can trigger a special enrollment period, allowing you to make changes to your Medicare coverage.
When it comes to Medicare Advantage plans, you have the opportunity to make changes during the open enrollment period, which runs from January 1 to March 31. This means you can switch plans or return to Original Medicare if you wish.
In New Hampshire, there are 16 Medicare plans available for you to choose from. One plan that stood out in 2025 was CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Advantage DualPrime, which received an overall 5-star rating.
If you're considering Medigap coverage to help with the out-of-pocket costs of Original Medicare, you can explore your options on the Medicare website by entering your ZIP code. Some organizations offering Medigap plans in New Hampshire in 2025 include Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Globe Life, Humana, State Farm, Transamerica, United American, UnitedHealthcare, and more.
Remember, Medigap plans are not available to people with Medicare Advantage. The average Part D premium cost for plans in New Hampshire was $41.29 in 2024.
For assistance, you can reach out to Medicare, the Social Security Administration (SSA), or New Hampshire's SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Lastly, it's crucial to consider factors such as cost, choice, coverage, and special health concerns when selecting a plan. The initial enrollment period lasts for 7 months and starts 3 months before the month of your 65th birthday. During this period, you can join a plan by enrolling online through Medicare.gov, signing up through the SSA website, contacting the plan via phone or the web, or calling Medicare at 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048).
During the open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7, you can switch plans or add coverage to ensure you have the best possible healthcare experience.
