Health Insurance
Having health insurance usually means you pay a premium every month and, in return, your health plan pays part of the bill when you need a service from a doctor or another provider to keep you healthy or treat a disease. Health insurance usually covers doctors' visits, prescription drugs, medical, and surgical services.
There are several different ways to get health insurance. Some people buy coverage on their own. Many people get coverage through their job or a family member's job. Others are covered through public programs like Medicare and Medicaid. State insurance regulators provide oversight for some of these types of health insurance. Different regulatory agencies have responsibility for other types of coverage.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has compiled a list of different ways to access health insurance coverage, whether or not you are employed: https://content.naic.org/consumer/health-insurance.htm
New Hampshire residents can obtain health insurance through one of three companies through New Hampshire's Federally Facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace or a Registered Marketplace Producer :
- Ambetter from NH Healthy Families (underwritten by Celtic Insurance Co.) - (844) 265-1278
- Anthem/Matthew Thornton Health Plans - (844) 304-8780
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England - (800) 848-9995
- Wellsense Clarity - (866) 614-8531
Consumer Health Insurance Guides
- Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy Fact Sheet
- Balance Billing & Surprise Billing
- Benefit Limits Allowed
- COBRA and New Hampshire State Continuation
- Cost Sharing Fact Sheet
- Essential Health Benefits
- Federal No Surprises Act – Frequently Asked Questions
- In-Network and Out-of-Network Providers
- Mental Health & Substance Use Disorders Consumer Fact Sheet
- PFAS Frequently Asked Questions
- Premiums Fact Sheet
- Prescription Drug Coverage Fact Sheet
- Preventative Services Fact Sheet
- Special Enrollment Period Fact Sheet
For Those Who Have Disabilities:
If you have a disability, you may have certain protections available under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) You can reach the ADA Technical Assistance Center at 1-800-949-4232 or the US Department of Justice (American Disabilities Act Division) at 1-800-514-0301 (voice) or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD).
Self-Funded Employer Plans:
- Self-Funded or Self-Insured Plan Appeals Frequently Asked Questions
- If your plan is a "self-funded" benefit plan offered by an employer or bona fide union trust under a union contract, state insurance departments have no jurisdiction. Instead, you may file a complaint with the US Department of Labor Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration at 866-444-3272 or 617-565-9600.
- If you are uncertain which type of benefit plan you have i.e., fully insured, self-insured, or self-funded you should contact your human resource department or your insurance carrier for clarification.
Government/Church Plans:
If your health plan is self-funded but offered through a government or church employer, follow the appeals procedures outlined in your benefit booklet and/or other plan documents. In most cases ultimate responsibility for resolving these disputes rests with the governing body of the employer sponsoring the plan. You should contact your employer’s human resources department for more information.
Additional Resources:
- Discount Plan or Health Insurance?
- NH Department of Health and Human Services
- Find a Community Health Center
- New Hampshire Health Access Network - NHHAN helps low-income NH residents who have health insurance, but need financial assistance to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Administration on Community Living
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- NH Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association
- NH Life and Health Guaranty Association Summary
- Internal Revenue Service
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- State Health Exchanges: What You Need to Know to (Re)Enroll
- A Shopper's Guide to Cancer Insurance
- US Department of Labor
Have a question about your coverage?
Call the Consumer Services unit at 603-271-2261, in state toll free (800) 852-3416 or email consumerservices@ins.nh.gov.