Story Archives of 'Department of Health and Human Services'

North Country healthcare providers met recently with Nicholas Toumpas, head of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services .

They got some bad news, a pleasant surprise, and a plea for innovation.

NHPR correspondent Chris Jensen has the story.

Many low-income families now are having to pay more for childcare, or even go without.

The state has changed how much it contributes to cover the cost.

And because more families are applying for services than ever before, for the first time the state must create a waitlist.

New Hampshire Public Radio’s Dan Gorenstein reports.

One week into the state’s new fiscal cycle, social service providers are starting to grapple with the ‘new economic reality.’

Many of those providers worry the state hasn’t allocated enough money to help New Hampshire’s most vulnerable citizens.

The Department of Health and Human Services still must make $20 million dollars in added cuts over the next two years.

New Hampshire Public Radio’s Dan Gorenstein reports that the new budget is just a sign of the changes on the horizon.

Advocates for the poor are concerned the tight state budget could jeopardize a plan to help some families on welfare pay rent.

Supporters of the measure have long said many who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families- TANF- don’t get enough aid to pay their rents.

This week, the House Finance Committee has voted to use the money for the housing vouchers in other ways.

New Hampshire Public Radio’s Dan Gorenstein reports.

New Hampshire’s Health and Human Services department took it on the chin in the governor’s budget.

The governor is proposing that HHS eliminate entire programs and lay off up to 150 employees.

NHPR’s health reporter Elaine Grant has more.