Amherst, New Hampshire — As talks in Washington hit a standstill regarding the future of the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance premium tax credit, Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) is turning his attention to upcoming changes to Medicaid next year.
At Opportunity Networks in Amherst, anticipation of these Medicaid changes over the next two years is met with apprehension. This organization plays a vital role in linking people with disabilities to meaningful activities and job opportunities through partnerships with local businesses.
“Having a disability doesn’t mean your community engagement is any different or limited, just like everyone else,” noted Executive Director Rocky Morelli. The nonprofit currently has a waiting list for individuals wanting to join their program, which piqued Pappas’ interest during his visit on Monday.
“They want to hire more people, but financially, they can’t manage it,” Pappas said. “So it’s about how we support our residents here in the Granite State, helping them live with some independence and providing the necessary skills and support. I am genuinely worried about the possible Medicaid cuts and what that would mean for families and organizations like this.”
Recent changes to Medicaid included in the federal budget passed this summer are set to begin in 2026. These modifications are intended to reduce federal costs and potentially limit the number of beneficiaries. By next year, all states will need to verify eligibility every six months.
“If you remove assistance from the public, it will ultimately cost us more in the long term,” Pappas emphasized. In response, the National Republican Senatorial Committee accused him of “spreading lies,” asserting that “President Trump and the Republican Party have been clear from the start about strengthening Medicaid to better serve those Americans who need it most.”
Providers are confident they will adapt to the changes rolling out up until 2028. Morelli remarked, “We know this is a significant aspect of what we do, so we constantly seek ways to improve our approach.”
