Nursing Homes in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an aging state with a growing population of older adults. Senior citizens aged 65 and older already account for more than 18.7% of the state’s 1,359,711 residents, and this number is expected to increase as more baby boomers enter their golden years.

It’s estimated that 70% of older adults will require long-term services and supports, and nearly half will require paid care during their lifetimes. Many older adults receive personal care and medical services from assisted living centers or home health agencies. Individuals with more significant needs can choose from 74 licensed nursing homes that provide skilled 24-hour care for subacute medical conditions.

The average cost of skilled nursing in New Hampshire is $10,646 for a semiprivate room or $11,315 for a private room, which is higher than the national average and most neighboring states. This guide explores long-term care costs in New Hampshire as well as financial assistance programs, such as Medicaid. It also includes helpful information about state regulations, nonprofit resources and free services that are available to seniors and caregivers.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in New Hampshire

Nursing homes in New Hampshire typically charge $10,646 per month according to provider responses collected in the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020. Average rates are $2,890 higher than the U.S. median of $7,756, which represents an increase of 37%. New Hampshire is also more expensive than most neighboring states with the exception of Massachusetts, where seniors pay $12,623 per month for skilled nursing. In other parts of New England, rates are more competitive. Seniors in Vermont pay $9,779 per month, or $867 less, and rates in Maine are about $1,000 lower at $9,642. Rhode Island is also more affordable. Seniors in the nation’s smallest state pay $1,977 less per month of skilled care than their counterparts in New Hampshire.

Manchester is one of 440 metropolitan areas included in Genworth Financial’s long-running Cost of Care Survey. Most of the state’s largest cities, including Nashua, Concord and Derry, fall within this geographic region. In these communities, seniors can expect to pay $11,330 per month for skilled nursing, which is $686 more than the state median. New Hampshire compares favorably to cities in Massachusetts, including Worcester and Boston where seniors pay $12,486 and $13,383 per month, respectively. Burlington, Vermont, is slightly more affordable than Manchester at $10,737, and nursing homes in Maine provide a more competitive value. Seniors in Portland pay $10,220 per month, and average rates in Lewiston are $1,521 lower than the New Hampshire median at $9,125.

Long-term care prices vary significantly depending on the type of services provided. In New Hampshire, adult day health care is the most affordable option. Programs that provide recreational activities and daytime care in a group setting cost $1,842 per month on average. In-home care costs $5,434 per month or $5,577 with added medical support. Assisted living facilities in New Hampshire cost $6,650 per month, which is significantly higher than the U.S. median of $4,300. At $10,646 per month, nursing homes charge almost $4,000 more due to the level of skilled care they provide 24 hours a day.

Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in New Hampshire?

Over 227,000 residents are enrolled in New Hampshire’s Medicaid program. For qualifying seniors looking for long-term care, the program can pay for the cost of room and board, as well as various types of rehabilitation therapies and assistive devices. Pharmaceutical services and visits with in-house physicians are also covered by Medicaid. 

New Hampshire is home to over 70 nursing homes, all of which accept Medicaid. Seniors who may benefit from in-home care can apply for home and community-based services waivers, which can delay nursing home placement and allow seniors to remain in their own home while still receiving the appropriate level of care. Services typically include housekeeping and nursing care, in addition to emergency response system installation.

Medicaid Eligibility in New Hampshire 

When applying for Medicaid in New Hampshire, single applicants can have a monthly income of $2,523 or less ($30,276 per year), along with $2,500 in assets. The requirements are the same for a two-person household with only one applicant. However, the Spousal Impoverishment Act allows non-applicant spouses to have up to $137,400 in assets. For couples, the monthly income cap is $5,046 ($60,552 per year), and assets can’t exceed $5,000.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in New Hampshire

*Per year

Along with financial limitations, individuals must be medically needy and meet citizenship requirements. In some cases, the applicant can “spend down” on necessities to meet the income and asset limits, if they meet the other requirements as well. To be approved, applicants are required to:

• Be 65 years of age or older
• Reside in New Hampshire
• Be in need of skilled nursing care

How To Apply for Medicaid in New Hampshire

Individuals can apply for Medicaid online using the NHEASY Gateway to Services. For questions or issues using the website, call customer service at (844) 275-3447. The Medicaid application can be printed out and mailed in or faxed to (603) 271-8604. Applications are also accepted in person at local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offices or over the phone by calling (800) 852-3345. Applicants should prepare the appropriate documents beforehand to prevent delays in the application process. It can take up to 3 months for an application to be reprocessed and approved.

Information You Will Need:

• Birth certificate or other proof of age
• Medicare cards
• Social Security card, or green card if born outside the United States
• Proof of earned and unearned income, including stocks and 1099s
• Bank statements from the previous 60 months prior to the date on the application
• Proof of private and government pensions, including a letter of verification from the provider
• Car registration and insurance
• Copies of life insurance
• Proof of any real property sold or transferred in the previous 60 months
• VA discharge papers (DD 214), for veteran applicants
• Any other documents supporting the applicant’s claim

Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in New Hampshire

Seniors and families applying for Medicaid in New Hampshire may find assistance through any of the websites listed below. Both the Medicaid Planning Assistance and Benefits.gov sites go into detail about eligibility requirements and offer free online eligibility tests.

Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in New Hampshire?

Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.

Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:

• Meals
• A semiprivate room
• Medications
• Skilled nursing
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Audiologist care
• Medical supplies
• Medical social services
• Nutritional counseling
• Ambulance transportation

What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?

Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.

For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.

Medicare Support and Resources in New Hampshire

Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of nursing care past the first 2 days, but it does give families time to find other ways to pay for long-term care. Below is a short list of organizations and programs that can assist seniors with applying and maintaining their Medicare benefits.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in New Hampshire

While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in New Hampshire

Seniors and families looking for ways to pay for long-term care in a nursing home can find referrals and application assistance through any of the organizations listed below. Seniors already residing in nursing homes can find resources through the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and New Hampshire Legal Assistance.

COVID-19 Rules for Nursing Homes in New Hampshire

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including covid19.nh.gov/resources/long-term-care-facilities. These rules apply to Independent Living Communities and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/10/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in New Hampshire