NH Medicaid for a Grandchild in Relative Care

A grandchild lands in your care without warning, and the first sick day reveals a problem you hadn't thought of: who's covering the doctor? In New Hampshire, Children's Medicaid can provide full health coverage for the child — and your retirement income or pension won't count against eligibility.

Your Income Doesn't Count

New Hampshire uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) rules for Children's Medicaid. A grandparent who is not the child's parent is not included in the child's Medicaid household just because the child lives with them. If a grandparent claims a grandchild as a tax dependent, federal rules treat the grandchild under the non-filer household rules; for a child under 19, those rules include the child's parents and siblings who live with the child, not the grandparent. Applying for your own Medicaid on the same application does not by itself make your income count for the child.

This is the same income exclusion principle that applies to the FANF child-only cash grant. Your Social Security, wages, or pension don't factor in.

Income Thresholds

Children's Medicaid covers children in two tiers:

Children's Medicaid (CM): income at or below 196% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a one-child household, that's roughly $2,607/month based on 2026 guidelines. No premiums, copays, or enrollment fees.

Expanded Children's Medicaid: income above 196% FPG but at or below 318% FPG (roughly $2,607–$4,229/month for a one-child household). Still premium-free for qualifying income levels.

Since the test looks only at the child's income, most children in kinship care qualify under the standard tier with zero countable income.

What's Covered

Children on Medicaid are protected by federal EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment) standards, which mandate comprehensive coverage with zero copayments:

• Preventive physicals and immunizations
• Dental care (exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions)
• Vision exams and eyeglasses
• Outpatient and inpatient mental health care
• Prescription drugs
• Specialty referrals and diagnostic testing

Care is delivered through state-contracted Managed Care Organizations. Your grandchild's MCO assigns a primary care provider, but you can request a specific doctor or change plans if needed.

How to Apply

File BFA Form 800 with the Form 800 Insert (the supplemental medical assistance page). If you only need health coverage and not cash or food benefits, you can file Form 800MA instead — a streamlined medical-only application.

Submit through any channel: online at nheasy.nh.gov, by mail or fax to your District Office, by phone at 1-844-ASK-DHHS, or in person. Because the child is a minor, a person acting responsibly for the child may apply on the child's behalf; the federal application rule does not require that person to be a court-appointed guardian.

BFA must process Medicaid applications within 45 days. If parental financial records aren't available, BFA processes the application based on the child's circumstances and your self-attestation.

Continuous Coverage and Renewals

Once enrolled, the child receives 12 months of continuous coverage regardless of income changes during that period. Redetermination happens annually — BFA sends a renewal notice through NH EASY.

If coverage terminates because you missed the renewal paperwork, Medicaid can be reinstated retroactively to the closure date if you submit the forms within 90 days. Don't assume a lapse means starting over.

Medical Support and Good Cause

Applying for public assistance can trigger a child support referral against the absent parent. If cooperating with child support enforcement would put the child or your household at risk — domestic violence, threats, or other safety concerns — file BFA Form 754B (Good Cause Claim) to suspend enforcement. Medicaid coverage cannot be delayed or denied while a good cause claim is pending.

Health coverage is one piece of the financial safety net for kinship caregivers. The complete New Hampshire kinship financial help guide covers Medicaid alongside cash grants, SNAP, childcare subsidies, and emergency funds — with document checklists for every program.

See more New Hampshire guides →