AGP Executive Report

Flu Season: Doctors say flu is circulating early and urge Granite Staters to get vaccinated. Care Capacity: New Hampshire imaging demand is outpacing radiologist availability as the state’s older population drives greater need for scans; hospitals are turning to remote readings and other approaches. Dartmouth Health is also facing deficits and cutting jobs. Emergency Care: New Hampshire trauma doctors told Rep. Chris Pappas that they are stretched thin, raising concerns about the state’s ability to sustain care. Lyme Disease: New trial findings show Pfizer and Valneva’s vaccine candidate reached more than 70% efficacy only after four doses and two tick seasons; it is not approved, and the trial narrowly missed its main statistical target. Aging in Place: New Hampshire’s Choices for Independence program helps older adults remain at home, with services intended to support daily living.

Flu Season: New Hampshire doctors say cases began earlier than usual, with about two dozen reported since September. Dartmouth Health’s infection-control director urges eligible residents to get vaccinated now, allowing two weeks for protection to build. Hospital Finances: Dartmouth Health faces deficits and job cuts in 2026, while it and Humana work to resolve a Medicare Advantage contract dispute that could affect patients’ coverage. Medicaid Access: Providers say patients are already worried about looming Medicaid work requirements, as health care costs and potential coverage cuts surface in campaign debates. Trauma Care: New Hampshire trauma doctors have raised concerns about stretched services, calling the situation unsustainable.

Food Safety: The FDA classified Miyoko’s Creamery’s recalled plant-based butter as a Class II risk after concerns about E. coli, mold and yeast. The recall includes New Hampshire; check your fridge for the affected product. Hospital Strain: Dartmouth Health is facing a $63.5 million operating deficit and job cuts. It has also ended Tele-ICU and Tele-ED programs that connected rural providers with specialists. Medicaid and Costs: Federal Medicaid changes could leave more Granite Staters uninsured and reduce funding for uncompensated care, putting pressure on hospitals and potentially pushing up private insurance costs from 2027. Care for Older Adults and People with Disabilities: A proposed settlement in a long-running lawsuit could bring changes to New Hampshire’s Choices for Independence program, which helps participants receive care at home. Some participants welcome the deal; others worry it may not fix longstanding underinvestment.

Food Safety: New Hampshire is among 10 states where recalled Miyoko’s Creamery salted plant-milk butter was distributed. Check for lot 07871 and a Nov. 5, 2026, best-by date; don’t eat affected packages, which may contain E. coli, mold and yeast. Child Safety: An 8-year-old Manchester boy is recovering in a Boston hospital after being struck by a stray bullet in a shooting that killed his parents, authorities said. Heating and Health: Coos County Family Health Services is organizing “Keeping Coos Warm” as rising heating costs force some residents to weigh fuel against food and medication. Aging at Home: New Hampshire’s Choices for Independence Medicaid waiver can help eligible older adults and people with physical disabilities pay for personal care, meals, housekeeping and home safety changes so they can remain in their communities.

Food Safety: New Hampshire is among 10 states affected by an FDA Class II recall of Miyoko’s Creamery salted plant-based butter over possible E. coli, yeast and mold contamination. Check for UPC 857554005773, lot 07871 and a Nov. 5, 2026, best-by date; don’t eat the product if it matches. Medicare Access: Seniors in Carroll and Coös counties face changes to Medicare Advantage options for 2027, while Dartmouth Health and Humana are negotiating their own plan agreement. Medicaid: New Hampshire has set up a digital system for upcoming Medicaid work requirements, as providers report patients are already worried about how the changes could affect their coverage. Election Health Issues: Healthcare costs and access are prominent in the close U.S. Senate race, with Chris Pappas campaigning on affordability and healthcare.

Local Care: Speare Memorial Hospital’s new CEO, Craig Williams, will meet residents Thursday, Oct. 29, to hear views on local healthcare and the 25-bed hospital’s role in central New Hampshire. Medicare Coverage: Dartmouth Health is negotiating with Humana to bring Cheshire Medical Center and other system facilities into its 2027 Medicare Advantage network; until a deal is signed, coverage remains uncertain for local seniors. Food Safety: Miyoko’s Creamery salted plant-based butter is under recall in New Hampshire and nine other states over possible E. coli, yeast and mold contamination. Check for the product with a Nov. 5, 2026, best-by date and don’t eat it. Medicaid: New Hampshire is setting up a digital system for upcoming Medicaid work requirements as providers report patients are already worried about potential coverage changes. Community Safety: Two adults were found dead and an injured 8-year-old was hospitalized after a reported domestic dispute in Manchester; the investigation is ongoing.

Medicaid Access: New Hampshire providers say looming Medicaid work rules are already stressing patients. Starting in 2027, about 46,900 Granite Advantage enrollees will generally need to document 80 hours a month of work, school or volunteering; mental-health providers warn that paperwork and fear of losing coverage can worsen distress. Health Care in NH: The head of Southern New Hampshire Health is urging policymakers to sustain the state’s care system, citing the nonprofit’s 2,700 employees and more than 70 practices. Flu Prevention: With cases appearing earlier than usual, doctors urge pregnant people to get vaccinated, noting the shot protects both parent and baby. Drug Safety: Seabrook is considering a ban on synthetic kratom products amid concerns about addiction and overdose risks. Food Recall: A recall of Miyoko’s plant-based butter over possible E. coli, yeast and mold contamination includes products distributed in New Hampshire; no illnesses have been reported.

Medicaid Access: New Hampshire providers say looming 2027 work rules are already increasing stress among Granite Advantage patients. Enrollees must document 80 hours a month in work, volunteering or school; estimates suggest up to 29,000 adults could lose coverage. Flu Prevention: Flu is appearing early, with hospital admissions rising across New England. Concord Hospital doctors urge pregnant people to get vaccinated, which also helps protect their babies. Local Health & Safety: Seabrook is considering a ban on synthetic kratom products amid addiction concerns. New Hampshire shoppers should also check for recalled Miyoko’s plant butter over possible mold and E. coli contamination; no illnesses have been reported. Medicare: New Hampshire is among states where at least 40% of Medicare Advantage enrollees were forced to leave plans in 2026, underscoring the importance of reviewing coverage during open enrollment.

Flu Season: Flu hospital admissions are rising in New England, though overall activity remains low. The rate is the highest for this point in the season since 2010–11, and health officials urge people to get vaccinated. Trauma Care: New Hampshire trauma doctors told Rep. Maggie Goodlander that staffing pressures are stretching the system. Medicaid: New work requirements could cost up to 29,000 New Hampshire adults coverage by 2028; the state is setting up a digital system to manage the changes. Rural Health: The federal government is investing $11 million to expand mobile health programs in New Hampshire. Behavioral Health: West Central Behavioral Health has broken ground on a new Claremont facility.

Trauma Care: New Hampshire hospital staff told Rep. Maggie Goodlander that shortages and budget cuts are straining trauma services and crowding emergency rooms; one Dartmouth Health patient waited 36 hours for a bed. Medicaid Access: State officials are preparing for new work requirements, while an analysis projects up to 29,000 New Hampshire adults could lose coverage by 2028. Rural Health: An $11 million federal investment is set to expand mobile health programs in the state. Flu Season: Doctors say flu is arriving early and recommend vaccination. Behavioral Health: West Central Behavioral Health has broken ground on a new Claremont facility.

Trauma Care: New Hampshire hospital staff told Rep. Maggie Goodlander that staffing shortages and budget cuts are stretching trauma teams and crowding emergency rooms. One Hanover patient waited 36 hours for a bed at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Medicaid Coverage: A state policy institute estimates new work-reporting rules could put coverage at risk for up to 29,000 residents, many enrolled in Granite Advantage; the requirements begin Jan. 1. Medicare Changes: Seniors face a shifting Medicare Advantage market, including plan changes in Coös and Carroll counties, as enrollment season gets underway. Prevention and Access: Flu season is arriving early, and doctors recommend vaccination. New Hampshire is also investing $11 million in rural mobile health programs.

Medicaid Coverage: New rules could put up to 29,000 Granite Staters at risk of losing coverage by 2028, even if they qualify for benefits. New Hampshire is preparing a digital system, but stricter work-reporting requirements may be difficult to navigate. Medicare: Devoted Health plans will be available to seniors in Coös and Carroll counties starting Nov. 1, as insurers prepare to drop hundreds of Medicare Advantage plans nationwide for 2027. Rural Care: New Hampshire is set to receive $11 million to expand mobile health programs, while northern maternal health organizations have also received grants. West Central Behavioral Health has broken ground on a new Claremont facility. Prevention: Flu season is arriving early, and doctors recommend vaccination. Residents can also safely dispose of unused medications at National Drug Take Back Day sites around the state.

Medicaid Coverage: A New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute study warns that up to 29,000 residents could lose Medicaid coverage by 2028 under new work and reporting requirements, even if they qualify for an exemption. Medication Safety: Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day offers dozens of New Hampshire drop-off sites for unused medicines. Medicare Access: Devoted Health plans are expected to become available Nov. 1 to Medicare beneficiaries in Carroll and Coos counties, expanding options in both areas. Flu Prevention: Doctors say flu season is arriving early and urge Granite Staters to get vaccinated. Rural Care: New Hampshire is investing $11 million in rural mobile health programs, while West Central Behavioral Health has broken ground on a new Claremont facility.

Medication Safety: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, with drop-off sites across New Hampshire offering free, anonymous disposal of unused medicines. Medicare Access: Devoted Health plans will be available to seniors in Carroll and Coos counties starting Nov. 1, after federal approval initially left the counties with few or no options. Medicaid Coverage: New Hampshire is building a digital system for new work requirements, while an analysis estimates up to 29,000 residents could lose coverage by 2028. Rural Care: A new $11 million investment aims to expand mobile health programs, and officials highlighted New Hampshire’s rural care efforts. Prevention and Mental Health: Flu season is arriving early, and doctors urge residents to get vaccinated. New Hampshire students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness fell to 34%, down from 44% in 2021, but Dartmouth Health leaders say youth mental health remains a serious concern.

Medicaid Coverage: New Hampshire is preparing a digital system for upcoming work requirements, which studies estimate could cost as many as 29,000 residents their coverage by 2028; one analysis projects enrollment in the state’s Medicaid expansion could fall 60%. Medicare Choices: Devoted Health plans to offer Medicare Advantage coverage in Coös and Carroll counties starting Nov. 1, as beneficiaries face a changing mix of plans during open enrollment. Rural Care: An $11 million federal investment will expand mobile health programs in New Hampshire, while West Central Behavioral Health has broken ground on a new Claremont facility. Youth Mental Health: Dartmouth Health leaders say the share of New Hampshire students reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness has fallen to about 34%, from 44% in 2021, and urge continued investment in services. Flu Season: Doctors say flu is arriving early and recommend vaccination. Food Safety: Trader Joe’s recalled its Crispy Rice Milk Chocolate Bars, sold in New Hampshire, because the packaging failed to disclose wheat.

Medicare Fraud: Former New London Hospital medical chief Steven Powell was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for signing brace orders for patients he never examined. He must repay Medicare $761,202.75. Medicaid Coverage: New Hampshire is setting up a digital system for new Medicaid work requirements, as an analysis warns up to 29,000 residents could lose coverage by 2028. Rural Health: Federal funding of $11 million is set to support rural health initiatives in New Hampshire, including expanded mobile programs. Medicare Advantage: New plans will be available to eligible residents of Coös and Carroll counties starting Nov. 1, ahead of the Dec. 7 enrollment deadline. Flu Season: Doctors say flu is arriving early and recommend vaccination.