N.H. News Recap

A new rule requiring people who receive Medicaid through the state's Granite Advantage program to prove that they spend at least 80 hours a month working, volunteering or in school could leave thousands in New Hampshire without insurance coverage.

On the New Hampshire News Recap, NHPR Health and Equity Reporter Olivia Richardson breaks down the changes based on a new report from the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. Healthcare providers say that the rules may have a big impact on patients.

Other stories this week:

• Medicare Advantage options are expected to be limited, but available, in Coos and Carroll counties next year. The exact details of what insurance options people 65 and older may have are not yet clear, though the window to enroll for Medicare for next year is open.
• And, NHPR Senior Reporter and Document team Producer Jason Moon joins us to talk about the latest season of his podcast, Bear Brook. The first two episodes of the show's newest season, called A Private Matter, launched Wednesday. For this season, Moon looked into the disappearance of an Epsom Christmas tree farmer with dementia whose wife never reported him missing.

Guests:

• NHPR Health and Equity Reporter Olivia Richardson
• NHPR Senior Reporter and Producer Jason Moon

Just over two weeks out from the midterm election, more news on statewide races and candidates is rushing in every day.

On the New Hampshire News Recap, NHPR Senior Political Reporter Josh Rogers breaks down the news we need to know in the final push toward Election Day.

Other stories this week:

• A state law updating the controversial education freedom account program has gone into effect, requiring school districts to admit EFA students into classes and extracurricular activities without charging tuition.
• And, a little music from Concord-based rock band, Lee and Dr. G. The group recently stopped by to perform Live in Studio D.

Guests:

• NHPR reporter Josh Rogers
• New Hampshire Bulletin reporter Ethan DeWitt.

The federal government is considering rolling back a 2001-era conservation rule that prohibits road construction and timber harvesting in over 200,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest and national forests across the country.

On the New Hampshire News Recap, a rundown of what the Roadless Area Conservation Rule is, how people are feeling about it, and what happens next with the New Hampshire Bulletin's Molly Rains.

Other stories this week:

• Oil prices continue to soar as winter approaches and organizations that provide heating assistance are concerned.
• The state and Medicaid recipients have settled a class-action lawsuit over New Hampshire's in-home care program after five years.
• A committee that was revived to review how the state responds to domestic violence incidents has released its first report, including recommendations for reform.
• And, have some fun and maybe even be rewarded for your civic engagement this year with the NHPR Election Explorer Challenge.

Guests:

• New Hampshire Bulletin reporter Molly Rains
• New Hampshire Bulletin reporter William Skipworth