Know your rights as a patient in New Hampshire. From surprise billing protections to financial assistance programs, here's what the law says about your medical bills.
Based on CMS cost report data from 16 hospitals in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire hospitals charge an average of 4.3× their actual costs. The average hospital stay is billed at $175,000, while the actual cost is $40,700. Compare prices at specific hospitals →
The federal No Surprises Act protects all New Hampshire patients, regardless of state laws:
SB 290 — Surprise Billing Protections (2019) — New Hampshire SB 290 (2019) protects patients from surprise out-of-network medical bills.
If you receive a surprise out-of-network bill, you are not responsible for the balance beyond what you'd pay for in-network care. Contact your insurer and reference the SB 290 — Surprise Billing Protections (2019) to dispute any balance bill.
Under Federal 501(r) & New Hampshire Medicaid Expansion, hospitals in New Hampshire must provide financial assistance to qualifying patients.
Income threshold: Varies by hospital (Granite Advantage covers up to 138% FPL)
New Hampshire has a 3-year statute of limitations on personal actions. Medical debt falls under this limit. After 3 years, creditors cannot sue to collect.
After 3 years, creditors cannot sue you to collect medical debt in New Hampshire. The clock starts from the date of your last payment or acknowledgment of the debt.
Beyond surprise billing and financial assistance, federal and state law provide these important protections.
Uninsured or self-pay patients can request a good faith estimate of charges before receiving care. If the final bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, you can dispute it through the federal process.
You have the right to an itemized bill showing each charge. Review it carefully — billing errors are found in up to 80% of hospital bills according to industry estimates.
Since 2021, all hospitals must publish their standard charges and negotiated rates online. Use Taven's price comparison tool to see how New Hampshire hospitals compare.
Hospitals must offer reasonable payment plans before pursuing collections. Ask about interest-free options and negotiate monthly payment amounts based on your income.
New Hampshire has a 3-year statute of limitations on medical debt (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4). After 3 years, creditors cannot sue you to collect.
Yes. SB 290 (2019) protects patients from surprise out-of-network bills and uses arbitration for provider-insurer disputes.
Generally no. New Hampshire prohibits wage garnishment for most consumer debts, including medical debt. This is one of the strongest protections in the nation.
It is New Hampshire's Medicaid expansion program, covering adults aged 19-64 with incomes up to 138% FPL. Coverage is provided through managed care plans.
Contact the New Hampshire Insurance Department at 603-271-2261 for insurance complaints. For billing fraud, contact the New Hampshire Attorney General.
If a hospital or insurance company is violating your rights, you can file a formal complaint.
For insurance-related complaints: claim denials, balance billing, network issues.
📞 1-603-271-2261
File a complaint →For deceptive billing practices, fraud, or consumer protection violations.
File a complaint →Compare prices at 16 hospitals across New Hampshire. Click any hospital to see their procedure prices and negotiated rates.
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