New Hampshire residents enrolling in Medicare Advantage in 2026 have 26 plans to choose from statewide, a sharp contraction after two long-standing carriers pulled out of the individual market entirely. Of the state's 357,517 Medicare beneficiaries, an estimated 111,000 (about 31%) are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan rather than Original Medicare, a penetration rate far below the national 2026 average of 55%. The statewide average monthly premium is $17.23 in 2026, above the roughly $14 national MA average.
New Hampshire stands out in 2026 for a carrier shakeout that the New Hampshire Insurance Department estimates will affect about 77,000 Granite Staters. Anthem and Martin's Point Generations Advantage, two carriers that long served New Hampshire seniors, exited the individual Medicare Advantage market entirely for 2026, and Aetna narrowed its footprint to just Hillsborough and Rockingham counties. That leaves Humana, UnitedHealthcare, WellSense Health Plan, and Wellcare as the carriers with the broadest remaining statewide presence. Coos County, in the state's rural North Country, is down to just two carriers, WellSense and Humana, for 2026.
New Hampshire's 2026 Medicare Advantage market is covered in detail below: how many plans, which carriers remain, what changed this year, what to look for when shopping, and the key enrollment dates. The Annual Election Period runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027.
2026 Medicare Advantage Market Overview in New Hampshire
In 2026, New Hampshire has 26 Medicare Advantage plans available, with 111,000 beneficiaries enrolled (31% MA penetration). The average monthly premium is $17 and the statewide average Star Rating is 3.7.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in New Hampshire (2026)| Carrier | Plans | Avg Star Rating | Avg Premium |
|---|
| Humana | 9 | 4.0 | $18/mo |
| UnitedHealthcare | 6 | 3.5 | $22/mo |
| WellSense Health Plan | 5 | 3.5 | $12/mo |
| Aetna | 3 | 4.0 | $26/mo |
| Wellcare | 3 | 3.0 | $5/mo |
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage/Part D Landscape File for New Hampshire (2026), New Hampshire Insurance Department 2026 market change notices
Plan Types in New Hampshire: HMO vs PPO vs SNP
Medicare Advantage plan-type breakdown in New Hampshire| Plan Type | Plans Available | Avg Premium | Best For |
|---|
| HMO | 20 | $14/mo | Lower premiums for New Hampshire residents willing to use in-network providers |
| PPO | 3 | $27/mo | Flexibility for New Hampshire residents who split time in another state or want a wider network after 2026 carrier exits |
| Special Needs Plan (SNP) | 3 | $0/mo | Chronic conditions (C-SNP), dual-eligible (D-SNP), or institutional care |
HMO plans make up more than three-quarters of New Hampshire's 26 Medicare Advantage plans in 2026. New Hampshire has one of the lowest Special Needs Plan enrollment shares in the country, about 2% of Medicare Advantage enrollment, and it is one of the few states where Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP) enrollment exceeds Dual-eligible SNP (D-SNP) enrollment.
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage/Part D Landscape File for New Hampshire (2026), CMS Medicare Plan Finder
County-Level Variance in New Hampshire
Plan availability varies sharply across New Hampshire's 10 counties, and the gap widened after the 2026 carrier exits. Hillsborough and Rockingham counties, the state's most populous, kept the widest carrier lineup because Aetna narrowed its service area to those two counties rather than leaving the state entirely. Rural Coos County, by contrast, is down to just two carriers for 2026.
Plan count and average premium by county in New Hampshire| County | Plans Available | Avg Premium |
|---|
| Hillsborough County | 16 | $15/mo |
| Rockingham County | 15 | $16/mo |
| Merrimack County | 10 | $17/mo |
| Cheshire County | 8 | $19/mo |
| Coos County | 4 | $22/mo |
Plan counts and premiums are estimates based on CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025 filings and New Hampshire Insurance Department 2026 market change notices. Run a personalized search at medicare.gov to see exact plans for your ZIP code.
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, New Hampshire county data
What to Look For in a Medicare Advantage Plan in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Medicare Advantage shoppers have extra reasons to look past the premium sticker price in 2026, since several longtime carriers changed or exited the market this year. The following factors matter most when comparing plans:
- Provider network. Confirm your primary care physician, specialists, and preferred hospital (Dartmouth Health, Elliot Health System, Catholic Medical Center, or Concord Hospital) are in-network before enrolling. If your old plan was Anthem or Martin's Point, your former network may no longer apply.
- Prescription drug coverage (formulary). Most New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plans include Part D. Check that your specific medications are on the plan's formulary at a tier you can afford. The 2026 Part D out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 across all plans.
- Star Ratings. CMS rates New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plans 1 to 5 stars annually on quality of care, member experience, and customer service. Humana and Aetna typically post the state's higher ratings, around 4.0 stars, while lower-premium carriers like Wellcare often rate closer to 3.0.
- Extras (dental, vision, hearing, transportation). New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plans vary widely on supplemental benefits. Several plans include free rides to medical appointments, useful for Coos and Cheshire county residents who live far from the state's larger hospital systems.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP). Medicare Advantage plans cap your annual in-network out-of-pocket spending. The 2026 federal MOOP ceiling for in-network MA is $9,250 (down $100 from $9,350 in 2025); New Hampshire plans commonly set it lower. Original Medicare has no MOOP.
- Carrier stability. New Hampshire's 2026 exits by Anthem and Martin's Point are a reminder to ask each remaining carrier about its history in the state before enrolling, especially if you value continuity of coverage year over year.
Key Medicare Dates in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Medicare and Medicare Advantage enrollment follow several federal windows in 2026, and this year's carrier exits make it especially important to act during one of them. Missing a window can mean delays or, in some cases, late enrollment penalties.
- Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 - December 7, 2026 — Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change MA plans, or change Part D plans. Coverage starts January 1, 2027. New Hampshire residents whose Anthem or Martin's Point plan ended December 31, 2025 should already have chosen a new plan, but AEP is the next chance to change again.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 - March 31, 2026 — If you're already enrolled in a New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare. One switch only.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthday — Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes the birth month, and runs 3 months after. Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B, then choose Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare plus Part D.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Varies by qualifying event — Triggered by your plan leaving the New Hampshire market (as with Anthem and Martin's Point for 2026), moving out of your plan's service area, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for New Hampshire Medicaid. Typically a 2-3 month window.
Notable Extras in New Hampshire Plans
New Hampshire Medicare Advantage in 2026 has several state-specific features worth knowing about, starting with this year's carrier market changes:
- 2026 carrier market contraction: New Hampshire had the largest year-over-year drop in average Medicare Advantage plan choices of any state for 2026, according to KFF, after Anthem and Martin's Point Generations Advantage exited the individual MA market entirely and Aetna narrowed to Hillsborough and Rockingham counties only. The New Hampshire Insurance Department estimates about 77,000 Granite Staters were affected and has directed residents to its Consumer Services Unit at 1-800-852-3416 for help finding a new plan.
- Unusually low Special Needs Plan enrollment: New Hampshire has one of the lowest overall Special Needs Plan enrollment shares in the country, about 2% of Medicare Advantage enrollment, according to KFF's 2026 enrollment analysis. New Hampshire is also unusual because Chronic Condition SNP (C-SNP) enrollment exceeds Dual-eligible SNP (D-SNP) enrollment, the opposite pattern from nearly every other state, where D-SNPs typically dominate.
- New Hampshire Medicaid Care Management and dual eligibility: New Hampshire residents who qualify for both New Hampshire Medicaid and Medicare are dual eligible. New Hampshire delivers Medicaid through its Medicaid Care Management program, managed by three organizations: NH Healthy Families, WellSense NH, and AmeriHealth Caritas NH. This is separate from the Granite Advantage Health Care Program, New Hampshire's Medicaid expansion for adults ages 19 to 64, which does not apply to most Medicare beneficiaries.
- ServiceLink Aging and Disability Resource Centers: New Hampshire's State Health Insurance Assistance Program is delivered through ServiceLink Aging and Disability Resource Centers, part of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. ServiceLink counselors offer free, one-on-one help comparing Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D options at 1-866-634-9412, an especially useful resource in 2026 for residents whose Anthem or Martin's Point plan ended.
Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare in New Hampshire
New Hampshire residents choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage in 2026 face a tradeoff sharpened by this year's carrier exits. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan gives nationwide provider freedom and no prior authorization for most services, but Medigap plus Part D premiums in New Hampshire commonly run $180 to $380 per month. Medicare Advantage plans bundle hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one plan with a statewide average premium of $17.23 per month in 2026, though the tradeoff is a defined provider network, prior authorization requirements, and, as 2026 showed, the risk that your carrier leaves the market.
New Hampshire residents who winter outside the state, or who need frequent access to specialists in Boston, often find Original Medicare plus Medigap the better fit because Medigap coverage travels nationwide. Residents who stay in New Hampshire year-round, live near Manchester or the Seacoast where carrier choice remains strong, and want lower premiums plus extras like dental and vision, typically find Medicare Advantage wins on total cost.
One practical note for New Hampshire: federal rules let you switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare during AEP or MA OEP, but Medigap insurers are not required to sell you a policy at that point unless you have a guaranteed issue right. New Hampshire residents whose plan left the market for 2026 (Anthem or Martin's Point) do have a guaranteed issue right to buy Medigap, since a plan's exit from the state qualifies. If you're voluntarily leaving Medicare Advantage rather than being displaced by a carrier exit, medical underwriting can apply. Plan ahead before you enroll in MA if you might want Medigap later.
How Star Ratings work in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Medicare Advantage Star Ratings, like every state's, are published by CMS every October, rating plans 1 to 5 stars based on roughly 40 quality measures covering chronic condition management, member experience, customer service, and Part D drug safety. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS, which often translate into richer benefits the following plan year.
New Hampshire's statewide weighted-average Star Rating for 2026 is approximately 3.7, close to the national unweighted average, which CMS reported at roughly 3.65 for the 2026 ratings released in October 2025. Humana and Aetna post some of the state's stronger ratings, near 4.0 stars, while lower-premium carriers such as Wellcare typically rate closer to 3.0. A 5-star plan, if one becomes available in New Hampshire, would trigger a Special Enrollment Period letting you switch into it any time of year.
How to enroll in New Hampshire Medicare Advantage
New Hampshire residents enrolling in Medicare Advantage in 2026 follow the same federal process as the rest of the country, with a few New Hampshire-specific resources worth using, especially given this year's carrier exits. Start at medicare.gov/plan-compare, where CMS publishes a personalized plan finder tool keyed to your ZIP code across all 10 New Hampshire counties.
Common reasons New Hampshire Medicare Advantage applications are delayed or denied: late Part B enrollment (no active Part B on file), a home address outside the plan's service area (an increasing risk in 2026 given Aetna's narrower Hillsborough and Rockingham footprint), missing New Hampshire Medicaid eligibility documentation for a D-SNP application, identity verification mismatches, and applying for a plan type you don't qualify for, such as a C-SNP without a documented qualifying chronic condition.
- Step 1: Confirm Medicare Part A and Part B eligibility. You must already be enrolled in both before joining a New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plan. If you're newly turning 65, your Initial Enrollment Period covers this step.
- Step 2: Gather your documents. You will need your Medicare card (showing your Medicare number and Part A/B effective dates), your ZIP code (for plan availability in your county), a list of current prescriptions (for formulary lookup), a list of current doctors and hospitals (for network check), and your New Hampshire Medicaid card if you are dual-eligible.
- Step 3: Compare plans at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Filter by your ZIP code and sort by Star Rating, monthly premium, total estimated annual cost, or maximum out-of-pocket. New Hampshire residents can also call ServiceLink Aging and Disability Resource Centers at 1-866-634-9412 for free, unbiased counseling, especially helpful if your prior carrier exited the market.
- Step 4: Apply. You can enroll directly through medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or through the carrier directly. Most online enrollments take 10 to 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Confirm your coverage start date. AEP enrollments in New Hampshire start coverage January 1, 2027. SEP enrollments, including those triggered by a carrier's market exit, typically start the first of the month after you enroll. You will receive a member ID card and Evidence of Coverage from the carrier within 7 to 10 business days.
$0 premium plans in New Hampshire for 2026
New Hampshire has fewer $0 monthly premium Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 than most states, a byproduct of Anthem and Martin's Point exiting and the state's smaller, less competitive carrier field. The remaining $0 premium options are concentrated among Humana, Wellcare, and select UnitedHealthcare plans in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Merrimack counties. A $0 premium does not mean $0 cost: New Hampshire enrollees still pay the Part B premium ($202.90 per month in 2026) plus any drug copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs the plan charges.
$0 premium plans in New Hampshire for 2026 detail| Carrier | Plan Type | Star Rating | Counties Available |
|---|
| Humana Gold Plus HMO | HMO | 4.0 | Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack |
| Wellcare No-Premium HMO | HMO | 3.0 | Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack, Cheshire |
| UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Advantage | HMO | 3.5 | Hillsborough, Rockingham |
| WellSense Health Plan HMO | HMO | 3.5 | Hillsborough, Rockingham, Merrimack, Cheshire, Coos |
| Humana Gold Plus C-SNP | SNP | 4.0 | Statewide (qualifying chronic condition required) |
Sample of $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire for 2026. Exact plan availability and Star Ratings vary by ZIP code; run a personalized search at medicare.gov to confirm what's offered where you live.
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025, New Hampshire carrier filings
New Hampshire's 2026 Medicare Advantage market contraction
New Hampshire recorded the largest year-over-year drop in average Medicare Advantage plan choices of any state for 2026, per KFF's Medicare Advantage 2026 Spotlight, driven by Anthem and Martin's Point Generations Advantage exiting the individual MA market entirely and Aetna narrowing to Hillsborough and Rockingham counties only. Martin's Point had been a major regional carrier across New Hampshire and Maine for years, making its exit especially disruptive for longtime enrollees.
New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt has said the state's remaining market will still offer meaningful plan options and strong consumer protections, even as the department estimates roughly 77,000 Granite Staters had to choose a new plan for 2026. Residents affected by a carrier exit have a federal guaranteed issue right to buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting, a protection worth using if you decide Original Medicare plus Medigap is now the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in New Hampshire in 2026?
New Hampshire has 26 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide in 2026, a sharp drop after Anthem and Martin's Point Generations Advantage exited the individual MA market entirely and Aetna narrowed to Hillsborough and Rockingham counties only. New Hampshire recorded the largest year-over-year decline in average plan choices of any state, according to KFF. The exact number available to you depends on your county; rural Coos County is down to just two carriers, WellSense and Humana. Run a ZIP-code search at medicare.gov to see your exact 2026 options.
What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in New Hampshire for 2026?
The statewide average Medicare Advantage premium in New Hampshire is $17.23 per month in 2026, higher than the roughly $14 national MA average. New Hampshire has fewer $0 monthly premium plans than most states following this year's carrier exits, though Humana, Wellcare, and select UnitedHealthcare plans still offer $0-premium HMOs in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Merrimack counties. Enrollees still pay the Part B premium ($202.90 per month in 2026) regardless of their MA plan's premium.
When can I sign up for Medicare Advantage in New Hampshire?
The main enrollment window is the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. You can also enroll during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by your carrier leaving the market (as Anthem and Martin's Point did for 2026), moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for New Hampshire Medicaid. Existing New Hampshire Medicare Advantage enrollees can switch plans during the MA Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31, 2026).
Who has the best Medicare Advantage plans in New Hampshire?
Humana and Aetna typically post New Hampshire's higher Star Ratings, both close to 4.0 stars for 2026. Humana also offers the broadest remaining plan lineup, including coverage in Coos County, which lost Anthem and Martin's Point for 2026. UnitedHealthcare and WellSense Health Plan round out the state's broader carriers. The best plan for you in New Hampshire depends on your doctors, your medications, and whether your prior carrier is still in the market.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire residents can switch back during the Annual Election Period (October 15 to December 7, 2026) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31, 2026). If your plan exited the New Hampshire market, as Anthem and Martin's Point did for 2026, you have a federal guaranteed issue right to buy a Medigap policy without medical underwriting. If you're voluntarily leaving Medicare Advantage rather than being displaced by a carrier exit, medical underwriting can apply outside your initial Medigap window.
What is the difference between an HMO and a PPO in New Hampshire Medicare Advantage?
HMOs make up more than three-quarters of New Hampshire's 26 Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 (20 plans) and require you to use in-network providers, usually with a referral to see a specialist. HMOs offer lower premiums, averaging about $14 per month. PPOs (3 plans) let you see out-of-network providers at a higher cost share and don't require referrals, but charge higher premiums, averaging about $27 per month. Choose HMO for lower in-network cost; choose PPO for flexibility, especially if you split time outside New Hampshire.
Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in New Hampshire?
Most New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part D prescription drug coverage, making them MA-PD plans. The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket maximum is $2,100 across all plans, set by the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law August 16, 2022. Always check a New Hampshire plan's formulary before enrolling, especially if you're choosing a new plan because your prior carrier exited the market, to confirm your specific medications are covered and at what tier.
Are dental, vision, and hearing covered by Medicare Advantage in New Hampshire?
Most New Hampshire Medicare Advantage plans include some dental, vision, and hearing benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. Coverage varies widely by carrier: some New Hampshire plans cover only routine cleanings and exams, while others cover crowns, hearing aids, and prescription eyewear. Always check the plan's Evidence of Coverage for annual dollar limits and what's actually included.
What is a Special Needs Plan (SNP) and who qualifies in New Hampshire?
A Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed for people with specific needs. New Hampshire offers 3 SNP plans in 2026 across three categories: Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for people who qualify for both Medicare and New Hampshire Medicaid, Chronic Condition SNPs (C-SNPs) for people with qualifying conditions like diabetes or heart failure, and Institutional SNPs (I-SNPs) for people living in a nursing home or similar facility. New Hampshire is unusual in that C-SNP enrollment exceeds D-SNP enrollment, the opposite of nearly every other state, and overall SNP enrollment is only about 2% of the state's Medicare Advantage market, one of the lowest shares in the country.
