Healthcare Leaders Discuss Rising Costs, Medicaid, Public Health at "Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now" Event

Watch the full event here.

CONCORD, N.H. – Today, Protect Our Care New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA) brought together public health leaders to discuss the growing challenges surrounding health care affordability, access to care, and public health in the Granite State. Panelists discussed the financial pressures facing New Hampshire's health care system, including increasing insurance premiums, reduced access to maternity and behavioral health services, workforce shortages, and the implementation of new Medicaid eligibility requirements over the coming years.

More than eight million people, including 17,000 in New Hampshire, have lost the coverage they relied on to see a doctor when they’re sick, while costs have skyrocketed. More than 80 hospital wards, over 40 maternity wards, and nearly 320 clinics have shuttered nationwide. As costs shift throughout the health care system, families, Granite Staters are experiencing higher premiums, greater out-of-pocket expenses, and reduced access to care. Expectant mothers are traveling farther for maternity services, seniors face increasing challenges accessing long-term care, and many communities continue to struggle with provider shortages. Everyone, everywhere, will pay higher costs.

The conversation comes as health care providers and parents continue to respond to recent changes in federal childhood vaccine recommendations, highlighting the importance of maintaining access to trusted health information, preventive care, and routine immunizations as children prepare to return to school.

"Health care affordability and public health go hand in hand. It's not enough to have insurance—people need timely access to primary care, preventive services, and trusted health information close to home,” said Tory Jennison, Executive Director, New Hampshire Public Health Association. "Strong public health is built on prevention. Whether it's vaccinations, early screenings, or access to primary care, investing in prevention helps people stay healthier and reduces costs across the health care system."

"Every New Hampshire family deserves a health care system that is affordable, understandable, and accessible. The earlier people receive care, the healthier our communities—and our health care system—will be,” said Representative Dr. David Nagel. "As a physician, I've seen how delays in care can lead to more serious health problems and higher costs. Our challenge is to ensure every Granite Stater can get the right care, at the right time, in the right place."

"Our goal today was to focus on what these changes mean for real people," said Jayme Simões, Protect Our Care New Hampshire. "Whether it's a family struggling to afford coverage, a rural community facing provider shortages, or a parent trying to navigate a changing health care landscape, these issues affect every Granite Stater."

Through “Sick of It! Fix Health Care Now,” Protect Our Care is bringing the voices of patients, families, caregivers, and providers directly to lawmakers through nationwide events, storytelling efforts, accountability actions, digital engagement, and a coast-to-coast bus tour this fall.

Protect Our Care is a nonprofit organization that is leading the fight for better health care at lower costs.

The New Hampshire Public Health Association works to improve the health of all Granite Staters through education, advocacy, and collaboration.