Medicaid expansion signed into law in NH

CONCORD — New Hampshire joined 25 other states Thursday in expanding Medicaid eligibility when Gov. Maggie Hassan signed Senate Bill 413 into law.

The bipartisan legislation will provide health insurance to 50,000 low-income adults in a two-and-a-half year pilot program using private health insurers paid for with federal Medicaid money.

"Our bipartisan health care expansion plan is a historic step forward for the health and financial well-being of Granite State families, businesses and communities," Hassan said. She called the plan a fiscally responsible, uniquely New Hampshire solution that will help the state's economy and improve the lives of 50,000 working people.

The plan uses federal Medicaid funds pay for health care for adults earning less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level — around $16,000 for an individual — have access to health insurance.

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http://www.unionleader.com/article/20140327/NEWS0621/140329239