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New Hampshire Insurance Department and New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Urge Congressional Leaders to Extend Funding for Medicare Low-Income Beneficiary Outreach and Enrollment Efforts
CONCORD, NH (March 19, 2024) – DJ Bettencourt, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Insurance Department, and Lori Weaver, Commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, have sent a letter jointly urging Congressional leaders to extend crucial funding for Medicare low-income beneficiary outreach and enrollment initiatives.
In a letter addressed to Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker Johnson, Minority Leader McConnell, and Minority Leader Jeffries, Commissioner Bettencourt and Commissioner Weaver highlighted the urgent need to continue support for outreach and education efforts aimed at assisting low-income Medicare beneficiaries in accessing essential healthcare benefits.
The expiration of funding authority for these programs on October 1st threatens the ability of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), Area Agencies on Aging, and other community-based organizations to provide vital assistance to millions of vulnerable older adults and people with disabilities, including thousands of New Hampshire residents.
“Without continued support for outreach and education efforts, many low-income beneficiaries risk being unable to access the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) and Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) Extra Help,” emphasized Commissioner Bettencourt and Commissioner Weaver.
The letter underscored the effectiveness of these programs in New Hampshire, where they have significantly expanded outreach and education efforts, resulting in increased assistance to beneficiaries across diverse demographics.
Despite bipartisan support and relatively modest funding of $50 million annually, the authorization for these programs has been allowed to lapse. Commissioner Bettencourt and Commissioner Weaver emphasized the critical importance of extending this funding, especially given the demographic reality of an aging population and the challenges arising from the Medicaid unwinding.
“We strongly urge Congressional leaders to take swift action to extend this vital program for low-income Medicare beneficiaries,” concluded Commissioner Bettencourt and Commissioner Weaver.
The letter, dated March 19, 2024, can be viewed online at https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents2/renewal-mippa-letter-03192024.pdf.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help
The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 1‐800‐ 852‐3416 or (603) 271‐2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov.
About the New Hampshire Department for Health and Human Services
DHHS is the largest agency in New Hampshire state government, responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of the citizens of New Hampshire. DHHS provides services for individuals, children, families, and older adults, and administers assistance programs and services in areas such as food and nutrition, child care, physical and mental health, substance misuse, long term supports and services, and public health. We accomplish this through partnerships with families, community groups, health care providers, other state and local government entities, and many citizens throughout the State. For questions about your assistance, or for help applying, call 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447) or visit https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/ for more information.