The New Hampshire Senate voted 16-8 along party lines on Thursday to reject a Democratic proposal aimed at undoing recent changes to the state’s Medicaid program, according to reporting by the New Hampshire Bulletin.
The measure, Senate Bill 484, was introduced by Democratic Sen. Cindy Rosenwald of Nashua. It sought to repeal premiums approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature in 2025 and to cap certain cost-sharing expenses at $5 for some enrollees.
Republicans, who hold majorities in both legislative chambers, opposed the effort. The bill ultimately failed in a party-line vote.
Premiums set to take effect in July
Last year, lawmakers approved legislation requiring the highest-income Medicaid enrollees to pay monthly premiums starting this year. The new system is scheduled to take effect in July.
Under the plan, individuals earning 100% of the federal poverty level or more will pay between $60 and $100 per month, depending on household size. Those earning above 255% of the poverty level will pay between $190 and $270 per month.
For example, a family of three earning $26,650 a year — the 2025 federal poverty level — would be required to pay $60 monthly. A family of three earning $67,957.50, which represents 255% of the poverty level, would pay $230 per month.
In addition to premiums, lawmakers also raised prescription co-pays. Previously set at $1 or $2 per prescription, the cost will increase to $4, unless that amount exceeds 5% of household income.
Rosenwald’s proposal aimed to eliminate the monthly premiums and introduce a $5 cap on cost-sharing for certain enrollees. However, the bill faced long odds from the outset, as it would have reversed changes enacted just months earlier by the Republican majority.
The state-level adjustments coincide with broader federal reforms to Medicaid. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by Congress in July, introduced work requirements and other changes to the jointly funded program. Under the federal law, New Hampshire must implement an 80-hour-per-month work requirement for Medicaid participants by 2027.
With the Senate vote, the state’s new premium system remains on track to begin this summer.
