New Hampshire Aims for $500M in Federal Funds for Rural Health Care

New Hampshire is poised to enhance its rural health care system with the potential allocation of $500 million in federal funds over the next five years. Governor Kelly Ayotte announced her efforts to secure New Hampshire’s share of these resources, which arrive in light of significant Medicaid cuts in the federal budget. A summit held in Littleton on March 15, 2024, aimed to strategize on optimizing this funding.

The $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, introduced as part of former President Donald Trump‘s tax and spending legislation, seeks to address financial challenges faced by rural hospitals, which are heavily reliant on Medicaid. Ayotte emphasized the need for sustainability in health care services, citing discussions with Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “He’s looking for things to maximize the dollars for New Hampshire,” Ayotte noted.

Despite the potential influx of funds, health care officials express concerns about continuing issues related to uncompensated care. Steve Ahnen, president of the New Hampshire Hospital Association, highlighted that while the Rural Health Transformation Program presents a crucial opportunity, it will not completely resolve the financial challenges that rural hospitals face. “Those challenges are significant and will certainly continue,” he stated.

To access these federal funds, New Hampshire must demonstrate comprehensive plans that improve health outcomes, leverage new technology, and assess risks that could lead to rural hospital closures. Karen Liot Hill, a member of the Executive Council, underscored the importance of submitting a strong application to ensure no funds are left unused. “We really need to make sure that we get a strong application put together,” she emphasized.

Health care providers in New Hampshire’s North Country are optimistic about any available funding support. Dr. Debbie Warner expressed the pressing need for financial assistance, stating, “Everything that we’re doing is under compensated, from the insurance as well as any other way.”

The focus now shifts to crafting proposals that align with the federal government’s requirements, as New Hampshire strives to bolster its rural health infrastructure amid ongoing challenges.