MANCHESTER, N.H. – Recently, health leaders in New Hampshire convened at the Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester. They gathered to voice concerns about funding cuts approved by the New Hampshire House of Representatives. These cuts target crucial health services like Medicaid reimbursement rates, mental health programs, and substance use recovery initiatives.
Patricia Carty, President and CEO of the Mental Health Center, emphasized the serious implications of these cuts. She noted that they threaten the State’s Mission Zero program, which has made strides in reducing the bottleneck of patients in emergency rooms. Without adequate funding, access to essential healthcare services may dwindle, limiting the system’s ability to respond effectively to ongoing health crises.
Gregory White, Co-CEO of Lamprey Health Care, echoed this sentiment. He called for increased Medicaid rates rather than reductions, highlighting the need for properly funded mental health services. “Granite Staters living with disabilities require support and fair wages for their caregivers,” he stated. His comments reflect an urgent need for initiatives like the State Loan Repayment Program to keep up with patient demands.
Amy Moore, from Ascentria Care Alliance, also raised alarms. She warned that cuts to Medicaid rates would destabilize home care services. Vulnerable citizens may be forced back into hospitals or nursing homes, creating more strain on an already burdened system.
The opioid crisis is another issue at stake. Kate Frey, Vice President of Advocacy for New Futures, pointed out that New Hampshire has made significant progress in fighting overdose deaths in recent years. “We must maintain our focus on those battling addiction,” she stressed.
Marissa Berg, Executive Director of the Community Support Network, highlighted the dangers facing the developmental disabilities community. Vital programs for thousands of individuals and families are now at risk. She urged state leaders to protect these services to ensure a compassionate future for all New Hampshire residents.
Currently, the $16 billion budget proposal, covering the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years, awaits further consideration in the state Senate. Health outcomes and access to services rely heavily on these budgetary decisions.
Recent statistics show that adequate funding can lead to better health outcomes. A study published in the Journal of Health Economics found that states investing in mental health services saw a 20% decrease in emergency room visits related to mental health crises (source: Journal of Health Economics).
As discussions continue, the voices of health leaders remind us that behind these budget numbers are individuals and families counting on essential support systems.
For more details, you can view the press conference video here and check the proposed biennial budget here as well as the proposed revenues, fees, and funds here.
Check out this related article: Shocking Cuts to Healthcare: How 9/11 Responders and Survivors Are Facing Bureaucratic Cruelty
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