New Hampshire House Passes Controversial Budget with Deep Cuts to Health Care for Low-Income Residents
The New Hampshire House recently passed a two-year budget totaling $15.36 billion, cutting Governor Kelly Ayotte’s proposal by $643 million. The most significant cuts come from the Department of Health and Human Services, reducing proposed funding by $269 million. These cuts will predominantly affect low-income residents who rely on Medicaid-related services, health care support, and aid for the elderly and disabled.
Critics of the budget argue that it will have devastating effects on the state’s neediest residents, impacting families struggling to make ends meet, older adults in need of support services, and individuals accessing substance use treatment. The budget includes premium requirements for Medicaid recipients, increased prescription drug copays, and cuts to Medicaid reimbursement rates and developmental disability services.
Despite the controversial cuts, Governor Ayotte plans to work with the Senate to potentially restore some funding for essential services. However, uncertainty remains due to federal changes that could impact Medicaid funding, potentially leading to the termination of the Granite Advantage program.
The Senate has until June 5 to amend the budget, with further negotiations needed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate proposals. If enacted, the budget will go into effect on July 1 and significantly impact the health care of low-income residents across New Hampshire.
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