New Hampshire Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
New Hampshire has one of the oldest populations in the United States, which means Medicare decisions here carry significant weight. Whether you're in Manchester, Nashua, Concord, or a rural community in the White Mountains, understanding your Medigap options is essential for protecting your health and finances.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county, Medigap plans in New Hampshire are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
New Hampshire's Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In New Hampshire, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Consumer Protections
New Hampshire follows federal Medigap regulations with standard consumer protections. If you're replacing an existing Medigap policy with another, you have a 30-day "free look" period during which you can cancel the new policy for a full refund. New Hampshire does not have a birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue like some states.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in New Hampshire
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in New Hampshire, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | NH Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $140 - $280 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $100 - $200 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $170 - $320 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within New Hampshire, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in New Hampshire
For most New Hampshire residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
New Hampshire Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
New Hampshire also has Medicare Advantage plans available, but these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $100 - $320+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
New Hampshire-Specific Medicare Considerations
Aging Population
New Hampshire consistently ranks among the states with the oldest median age in the nation. This means healthcare planning is especially important here. Many residents are active retirees who want comprehensive coverage that lets them see specialists without network restrictions or prior authorizations.
Rural Healthcare Access
Much of New Hampshire, particularly the northern regions and the White Mountains area, is rural with limited healthcare facilities. Medigap's ability to work with any doctor who accepts Medicare becomes especially valuable when you may need to travel for specialized care or when local options are limited.
Proximity to Boston Medical Centers
Southern New Hampshire residents in Manchester, Nashua, Salem, and surrounding areas often access Boston's world-class medical centers for specialized procedures. Medigap plans work seamlessly across state lines, making it easy to see specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's, Dana-Farber, and other renowned facilities.
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Located in Lebanon, Dartmouth-Hitchcock is New Hampshire's only academic medical center and serves patients from across northern New England. As a major regional healthcare hub, having Medicare coverage that works anywhere ensures easy access to this important facility regardless of what plan you choose.
Seasonal and Snowbird Residents
Many New Hampshire residents split their time between the Granite State and warmer climates during winter months. If you're a snowbird who heads to Florida, Arizona, or another state, Medigap offers nationwide coverage. Your plan works with any Medicare-accepting provider anywhere in the United States, unlike Medicare Advantage plans that often have geographic network restrictions.
Cross-Border Care
New Hampshire's borders with Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts mean residents often cross state lines for healthcare. Whether you're seeing a specialist in Portland, Burlington, or Boston, Medigap plans work seamlessly across all state lines with no network restrictions.
Major Health Systems in New Hampshire
Understanding the healthcare landscape helps with Medicare planning. Major health systems include:
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health - Academic medical center in Lebanon serving northern New England
- Catholic Medical Center - Major hospital in Manchester
- Elliot Health System - Comprehensive care in the Manchester area
- Southern NH Health System - Serving Nashua and surrounding communities
- Wentworth-Douglass Hospital - Dover area's major medical facility
- Concord Hospital - Serving the state capital region
New Hampshire ServiceLink (SHIP Program)
New Hampshire offers free Medicare counseling through ServiceLink, the state's Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). While ServiceLink counselors can provide general Medicare information, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
Four-Season Active Living
New Hampshire's four-season climate attracts active outdoor enthusiasts who ski, hike, and enjoy the lakes and mountains year-round. This active lifestyle means access to quality orthopedic specialists, sports medicine physicians, and rehabilitation services is important. Medigap's freedom to see any specialist without referrals supports this active New Hampshire lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions: New Hampshire Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. New Hampshire follows standard federal rules and does not have a birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage.
Medigap premiums in New Hampshire typically range from $100-$320+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location within the state, gender, and tobacco use. Plan G generally offers the best value for comprehensive coverage, with premiums typically in the $140-$280 range.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. We can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications.