Your State Government's Oversight of Health Insurance in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire State Government is responsible to state resident for developing, implementing and overseeing health insurance requirements and regulations within the state. In fulfilling this mission, the State Government generally tries to balance the rights of consumers with an economic environment that promotes a robust economic growth rate. Within the area of health insurance, the State Government addresses three major constituent groups: resident consumers, insurance companies, and independent brokers.
The State Government's primary method for assuring a fair health insurance system is the professional licensing and management of insurance providers and independent brokers. For insurance providers, the Government prepares minimum standards for insurance products and requires routine financial statement audits, ensuring taxation requirements are met. For insurance brokers, the State Government establishes professional and licensing requirements, manages broker license testing and license issuance, oversees continuing education criteria, and collects broker license fees. The State Government is also responsible for looking into insurance fraud, especially when it affects consumers or when it is harmful to the state's business environment.
For health insurance consumers, the State Government offers public information and consumer guidelines to help state residents locate their best health insurance options. The State Government is also available to help consumers file disagreements and appeals with their health insurance provider when a dispute happens over policy coverage or terms. And, the State Government is responsible for implementing the State version of the Federal Medicare program where subsidized health insurance is available to children who do not have health insurance, uninsured individuals, seniors, or the self-employed.