In an Oct. 16 announcement, Gov. Kelly Ayotte said Medicare Advantage plans will be available in Coos and Carroll counties for 2027 following discussions with federal Medicare officials.
The announcement does not name the insurers, list premiums or provide provider networks. Those details matter to people deciding whether a plan covers their doctors, hospitals and prescriptions.
Medicare Advantage is a private-insurance way to receive Medicare benefits, as an alternative to Original Medicare. An announcement that plans will be offered does not establish which plan is suitable for an individual beneficiary.
The governor's office says eligible residents who want to consider the forthcoming options may wish to wait before choosing a plan. Medicare's annual open-enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Residents can get free, impartial counseling through ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412. The New Hampshire Insurance Department's consumer services division can be reached at 603-271-2261 or consumerservices@ins.nh.gov.
Medicare also provides plan information at its official website and 1-800-MEDICARE. Beneficiaries should verify the specific 2027 benefits and network of any plan they are considering rather than relying on the general availability announcement.
Sources: Governor's coverage announcement and counseling contacts.