Cassandra Durand

Work requirements add an administrative burden that is costly and difficult to implement. Many eligible individuals face barriers to compliance, such as difficulty proving work status and reporting qualifying activities. When New Hampshire attempted to enforce work requirements in 2019, approximately 17,000 residents risked losing coverage. When patients lose coverage, it not only impacts the individuals' ability to access care. Loss of insurance also places undue burden on community organizations like Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers and Community Mental Health Centers who are must provide care to members of the community, regardless of their ability to pay. These uncompensated costs can be devastating and cause a reduction in their ability to meet community needs. Last year, Riverbend Community Health closed a program that served 300 patients due to financial burdens they endured because of the Medicaid Unwind. How many more programs have to be disrupted? How many New Hampshire residents have to go without life-saving treatments? I respectfully ask you to consider the implications of this bill on more than just 17,000 individuals. It impacts the Greater New Hampshire Community's access to health and mental health care. Thank you.