No matter our level of income or where we live, we all deserve access to the health care we need when we need it. Preventative care plays an important role in supporting our ability to maintain good health and effectively manage existing conditions. When we are sick, it is essential to receive the right medical services in a timely manner so we can get back on our feet quickly.
Far too many of us have experienced difficulty accessing health care. There are a variety of factors that contribute to this challenge, including the cost of services and the lack of enough healthcare providers who are available to see patients.
Over the past decade, New Hampshire’s healthcare costs have been rising faster than the national average, creating a growing strain on household budgets, which can lead to difficult choices.
According to Gallup Healthcare Poll, nearly 40% of Americans did not seek medical care when they needed it due to the cost. Nearly one in three Americans have difficulty affording basic needs, such as housing, heat, or food, due to the cost of healthcare.
Many Granite Staters, particularly those in rural areas, are finding it increasingly difficult to find healthcare providers when seeking care. Long wait times for appointments or significant distances to travel can place access to care out of reach.
It is broadly recognized that a major contributor to the healthcare cost and access challenges here in the Granite State is the lack of enough trained workers to support the need for services.
A significant effort is underway to bolster New Hampshire’s healthcare workforce to ensure vital positions are staffed with highly trained professionals and support a strong system of care all across the state. You can learn more in the Giving Care Strategic Plan.
HealthForce NH is working with health care providers and educational institutions to build up the pipeline of healthcare workers. This effort will support our economy with good paying jobs and strengthen communities across the state. You can explore the various initiatives and opportunities at the HealthForceNH website.
Health and Well-being for All
NH Possible envisions Health and Well-Being for All as the standard in our state. We believe it’s possible for everyone to access and afford the care that they need, when they need it. We are working toward a brighter future where everyone has what they need to thrive.
NH Possible is building a movement to make health and well-being for all a reality. Join us! Sign up for the NH Possible newsletter to stay up to date and learn how you can contribute to progress.
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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Office of the Actuary, National Health Statistics Group. National Health Expenditure Data: Health Expenditures by State of Residence, 1991-2020