NASHUA, NH — Harbor Care welcomed federal, state, and community leaders on Friday for a packed discussion on the largest changes to Medicaid in a decade. Panelists and attendees sounded alarms about how the new federal budget bill will affect health coverage for Granite Staters — particularly children, veterans, and families managing chronic conditions.

More than 185,000 New Hampshire residents — about 13% of the state’s population — rely on Medicaid, and thousands of veterans depend on Medicaid to supplement their VA benefits. Nearly half of those on Medicaid in the state are children.

“This so-called budget bill cuts $1 trillion from Medicaid — the largest cut in our nation’s history,” said U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan. “That means 46,000 Granite Staters could lose their health coverage — including children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. These cuts drive up costs for everyone and destabilize the very providers keeping our communities healthy. We need to hear and share these stories so we can reverse course.”

Henry Och, President & CEO of Harbor Care, emphasized the local impact: “For us, Medicaid is personal. It’s a lifeline for the children, veterans, and families we serve. Cuts of this magnitude will increase uncompensated care, force impossible choices, and create ripple effects throughout our neighborhoods and health system.”

Read the Manchester Union Leader article.

U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas warned that ripple effects will extend far beyond Medicaid patients. “Everyone in New Hampshire deserves access to health care. No one should go without care so another billionaire can get a tax cut. Without action, tens of thousands will lose coverage, ACA premiums could rise by 75%, and hospitals and health centers will struggle to keep their doors open.”

Calling the bill “big and brutal,” U.S. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander underscored the human toll: “I’ve spoken with providers across our state who say plainly — if this bill takes full effect, some of their patients will not survive. These cuts threaten to close community health centers, overwhelm emergency rooms, and drive families further into crisis.”

The panel, moderated by Tess Stack Kuenning, President & CEO of Bi-State Primary Care, also featured Bobbie Bagley, Director of Public Health for the City of Nashua; John Jurzyck, President of St. Joseph Hospital; and Greg White, CEO of Lamprey Health Care. Each highlighted the challenges their institutions face as coverage shrinks and costs rise.

Community nonprofit leaders — including representatives from Gateway Community Services, Greater Nashua Mental Health, Revive Recovery, the Front Door Agency, and Wanderlust Therapeutic Services — warned of longer waitlists for care, increased homelessness, and pressure on small nonprofits already operating on thin margins.

“Today was about coming together as a community to prepare for what lies ahead,” said Och. “The only way forward is through collaboration — no one agency can meet this challenge alone.”

Harbor Care hosted the event at its Health & Wellness Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center, which provides primary care, behavioral health, addiction recovery, dental treatment, and pharmacy, HIV/AIDS and Community Health services. Medicaid is a key funder of these services. Any reductions in Medicaid directly affect Harbor Care’s patients, who are among the state’s most vulnerable. The clinic sees more than 2,500 patients each year. Learn more at www.harborcarenh.org/healthcare.

Harbor Care is dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness through housing, healthcare, and veteran services. As an innovative nonprofit organization, Harbor Care assists more than 5,000 adults, children, and families in New Hampshire each year, offering solutions to some of life’s most challenging issues. The organization provides transitional and permanent housing; medical, dental, and mental healthcare; substance use treatment; HIV/AIDS support services; and veteran services for individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Learn more at www.harborcarenh.org.

Additional Quotes

• Sen. Hassan: “This bill cuts $1 trillion from Medicaid — the largest cut in our history — and 46,000 Granite Staters could lose coverage.”

• Rep. Pappas: “I will never stop fighting against reckless actions from Washington that will seriously harm those in need, including kicking tens of thousands off of their health insurance, causing health care costs to skyrocket, and undermining public health across New Hampshire.”

• Rep. Goodlander: “If this bill takes full effect, some patients will not survive. These cuts threaten to close health centers and hospitals.”

• Henry Och, Harbor Care: “For us, Medicaid is personal. It’s a lifeline for the children, veterans, and families we serve.”

• Rep. Pappas: “I was grateful to take part in today’s conversation at Harbor Care in Nashua to discuss the urgent threats that patients, communities, and hospitals are facing because of cuts to Medicaid and other vital services as part of last month’s budget bill. I remain committed to doing all I can to advocate for Granite Staters and push the Trump Administration to provide clarity and certainty on what comes next. I will never stop fighting against reckless actions from Washington that will seriously harm those in need, including kicking tens of thousands off of their health insurance, causing health care costs to skyrocket, and undermining public health across New Hampshire.”