State to host two informational sessions in Manchester on new health care program, next Plan on Aging

Nov. 27--MANCHESTER -- City residents will have two opportunities later this week to hear presentations from state health officials on two important topics -- the launch of the Granite Advantage Health Care Program early next year, and the creation of the state's next four-year Plan on Aging.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will hold a public forum Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall to introduce the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, the new health insurance program for people enrolled in expanded Medicaid.

On Friday, representatives from DHHS Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS) and the State Plan on Aging (SPOA) Planning Committee are hoping to gather public input that will guide the creation of the next four-year State Plan on Aging during a listening session in the auditorium at the city library, 405 Pine St., from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

In January 2019, Granite Advantage will replace the New Hampshire Health Protection Program's (NHHPP) Premium Assistance Program (PAP). During the public meetings, DHHS will discuss Granite Advantage open enrollment, the transition to Medicaid Care Management, and a new community engagement and work requirement.

"When the legislature created the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, it called on the department to transition people receiving health care coverage through commercial insurance carriers to Medicaid Care Management and introduced a community engagement and work requirement," said DHHS Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers. "The transition to Granite Advantage means changes for members, and the department is holding these public forums to make it as seamless as possible for members to maintain their health insurance coverage and achieve healthy outcomes."

Effective Jan. 1, 2019, impacted individuals will receive health insurance through the New Hampshire Medicaid Care Management program, which uses two health plans to manage health care for members. All beneficiaries should have received a letter from DHHS regarding Granite Advantage open enrollment through Dec. 28, when they can select one of the health plans to provide their health insurance coverage. These health plans cover the same services as the New Hampshire Medicaid program and also offer additional optional services, programs, and other extras to promote healthy behavior.

Granite Advantage also includes community engagement and work requirement for members between the ages of 19-64, unless otherwise exempted, to maintain their health insurance. Attendees at the public meetings will learn about the new requirement, the qualifying activities for meeting the 100 hours per month required to maintain eligibility.

The presentations will also cover Granite Workforce, a pilot work program for Granite Advantage members to assist them in meeting the work and community engagement requirement. Granite Workforce is being offered by NH Employment Security (NHES) and the NH Department of Health and Human Services, and will provide job training, case management services and employment supports.

Friday's listening session will allow representatives with DHHS, the Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services and the State Plan on Aging Planning Committee to seek public input ahead of preparing the next four-year State Plan on Aging.

"As we continue in our efforts to provide programs and services that focus on older adults, we must have an understanding of what their needs are," said Wendi Aultman, Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services Bureau Chief.

"New Hampshire has one of the fastest-growing aging populations, and these listening sessions will give us the opportunity to offer supports that are meaningful and relevant to our older residents, so that they can participate fully in their communities."

In addition to attending the listening session, residents can complete the online State Plan on Aging Survey, where respondents can provide information on the availability of supports in their communities, including health care programs and screenings, affordable housing, transportation, and in-home long-term supports and services.

Information from the listening sessions and survey will be used to inform the New Hampshire State Plan on Aging that will be submitted to the Federal Administration for Community Living. This plan is a requirement to receive federal funding for the Older Americans Act programs in New Hampshire.

pfeely@unionleader.com

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