New Hampshire Medicaid Waivers & Home and Community Based Programs Overview
- Amara Kamara
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 2
New Hampshire, known as The Granite State, has a well-structured Medicaid Waiver and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) system designed to provide long-term care alternatives for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions.
Administered by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Bureau of Developmental Services (BDS), and Bureau of Elderly and Adult Services (BEAS), the state’s Medicaid waiver programs allow eligible individuals to receive care in their homes or community settings instead of institutional facilities. Key waiver programs include the Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver, which provides personal care, respite, and home modifications for seniors and adults with physical disabilities, and the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver, which offers residential, employment, and habilitative services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Other major programs include the Acquired Brain Disorder (ABD) Waiver, the In Home Support (IHS) Waiver for Children with Disabilities, and the Katie Beckett (TEFRA) Medicaid Option, all of which provide specialized, person-centered care. New Hampshire also offers Self-Direction options, allowing waiver participants greater flexibility in selecting and managing their own caregivers.
Regulatory oversight in New Hampshire is managed through DHHS, BDS, and BEAS, with additional provider licensing and compliance enforcement by the Bureau of Licensing and Certification (BLC). The state operates under both fee-for-service and managed care models, with HCBS services coordinated through New Hampshire Medicaid’s Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to improve service delivery and cost-effectiveness.
The state has also implemented Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for personal care services, ensuring compliance and service integrity. Providers must navigate Medicaid enrollment, prior authorization processes, and strict quality assurance measures to successfully participate in New Hampshire’s HCBS programs.
With a strong emphasis on community integration, rural healthcare access, and person-centered planning, New Hampshire’s Medicaid waiver system ensures that individuals receive high-quality, sustainable long-term care while promoting independence, dignity, and inclusion in their local communities.
Explore Policy and Procedure manual for licensing and certification for your state Medicaid Waiver and HCBS programs here.
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