Four Months In: News from the New Hampshire Health Cost Initiative

Spring 2025 Update from the NH Health Cost Initiative

It’s been four months since the launch of the New Hampshire Health Cost Initiative (NHHCI), and momentum is growing. At a time of mounting concern over the cost and complexity of care, NHHCI is connecting healthcare consumers, providers, business owners, and public officials to confront one of the most urgent challenges in our state: the rising cost of healthcare.

From the future of Medicaid to the alarming decline in maternity access, from complex hospital mergers to increasing patient deductibles and cost-sharing, the landscape of healthcare in New Hampshire is shifting, sometimes rapidly, and not always equitably. At the same time, federal and state budget debates fuel uncertainty for what the future of healthcare will look like and who will be able to afford it.

NHHCI is a network of health policy experts and community stakeholders with a shared commitment to practical solutions for lowering health costs. NHHCI was created for the challenges we face today: a time when families are facing impossible budget choices, providers are navigating financial pressures and staffing shortages, and policymakers are weighing short-term challenges without always looking at the long-term consequences. Our goal is clear—to engage diverse perspectives in developing policy solutions that make healthcare more affordable, more transparent, and more accessible for Granite Staters. 

As we reflect on our first months of listening, learning, and connecting, we also look ahead—with urgency and determination—to create more opportunity for shared dialogue and meaningful change. Here’s where we are focused:

Developing Informative and Engaging Content

Since our launch, we've built a dynamic online presence featuring insightful blogs on key healthcare topics by diverse thought leaders and NHHCI Contributors. Our content has been published across New Hampshire media outlets, enhancing public understanding of health cost trends and sparking essential conversations. Read the latest insights at nhhealthcostinitiative.org/blog.

Gaining Insight and Growing Engagement with Business Leaders

In collaboration with the Concord Chamber of Commerce, NHHCI conducted a survey among members to understand business-related healthcare challenges in the capital region. These insights guided the development of a Healthcare Forum, promoting the start of a solutions-driven discussion among local businesses, healthcare leaders, and government officials. We look forward to recreating this collaboration in other regions of the State. Next up: the Exeter Chamber of Commerce, starting in July 2025.

Highlighting the Healthcare Consumer Protection Advisory Commission

Enhancing consumer voices and creating opportunities for community engagement are important priorities for NHHCI. We are closely following the work of the Healthcare Consumer Protection Advisory Commission as it brings transparency, accountability, and community voices to the forefront of healthcare reform in New Hampshire. 

At the Commission’s first public forum in Rochester, residents shared deeply personal stories about the impact of the HCA–Frisbie merger — from the loss of local maternity services and urgent care clinics to disrupted treatment plans and a breakdown in communication with patients. The hearing revealed just how vital it is to engage directly with communities affected by hospital mergers and healthcare consolidation. We continue to promote the Commission as an important forum to protect consumers, clarify healthcare costs and policies, and ensure that future investments from the Consumer Protection Trust Fund reflect the needs and experiences of the people most affected.

“The Commission will meet next in Exeter, NH. Time and date to be announced soon. The focus of the meeting is the impacts of the acquisition of Exeter Hospital by Beth Israel Lahey Health.”

Shifting Federal Landscape, Rising Medical Debt

NHHCI Contributor Professor Lucy Hodder hosted award-winning KFF Health News reporter Noem Levey earlier this spring for a robust discussion at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law about: budget cuts in Congress, the future of the Medicaid program, the magnitude of medical debt and the role of states in protecting consumers and patients financial security. The conversation provided important context and expertise for how federal budgetary decisions will impact New Hampshire and how state-level reforms are attempting to get at lowering costs.

Spotlighting Access to Maternity Care: A Growing Concern for our State

Working with MomsRising New Hampshire and community leaders in maternal health, we successfully highlighted the urgent issue of maternity deserts. Our blog was covered in two major news outlets and informed current policy dialogue, including MOMnibus 2.0 and the Rural Obstetric Readiness Act. Featured stories help to expand public awareness and underscore the urgency of preserving healthcare accessibility and affordability for critical health services.

Supporting Dialogue and Showing Up on Key Issues Impacting Health Care Affordability

We're actively engaged with partners in important conversations happening across stakeholders that impact health cost and access: medical debt, hospital affiliations, business sustainability, Medicaid Matters, maternity care and the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) are some of them. 

Making the Rounds

NH Health Cost Initiative contributors are shaping the public conversation on health care access and affordability across the state:

Lucy Hodder joined WFEA’s Monthly Roundtable to discuss the impact of hospital consolidations on New Hampshire communities.

Jo Porter and Deb Fournier outlined proposed federal changes to Medicaid, what those changes could mean for Granite Staters and why protecting Medicaid Matters now more than ever.

Michael Cohen penned a powerful op-ed in the Concord Monitor on how proposed Medicaid cuts will devastate New Hampshire’s mental health system.

Deb Fournier was featured on the NH Uncharted podcast - in conversation with Jennifer Frizzell and Gene Martin - explaining why health care costs are so high, and how we can work with community stakeholders toward practical solutions.

Jennifer Frizzell spoke with Andy DeMeo at Granite Goodness about connecting with Granite Staters across sectors and geographic regions to improve our health care system. The interview also highlighted our emergent collaboration with NH Possible, which is building toward a future of shared prosperity.

LinkedIn Outreach

We’ve grown our LinkedIn presence, actively engaging with community leaders, healthcare professionals, and businesspeople. These interactions have elevated important healthcare cost discussions within professional and advocacy circles. Follow us at NH Health Cost Initiative on LinkedIn.

The Path Forward

Our cross-sector approach continues to emphasize transparency, collaboration, and community-driven policy solutions. Stay informed and engaged by visiting https://www.nhhealthcostinitiative.org/blog and subscribing to our updates. Together, we can build a healthier, more affordable future for New Hampshire.