Three weeks into the federal healthcare exchange's open enrollment period, there are fewer new enrollees in New Hampshire compared to last year.
Since November 1st, 7,851 people in New Hampshire have signed up for a new plan or switched their plans on Healthcare.gov. That's down from 9,027 during the same period last year.
Zandra Rice-Hawkins with the non-profit Granite State Progress says severe cuts in federal funding for advertising the healthcare exchanges is driving the decline.
“We're disappointed but not surprised. We've seen every year since the federal cuts to consumer outreach that we've had fewer and fewer Granite Staters know that this is the time frame in which you need to sign up,” said Rice-Hawkins.
Rice-Hawkins urges people who already have plans through healthcare.gov to make sure they’re getting the best plan for them.
“Make sure your network still works for you. Make sure there's no additional cost savings that your family could benefit from and then make a determination.”
Amoskeag Health in Manchester is holding an open house on December 12 from 3pm to 7pm for those looking for help navigating the exchanges.
New Hampshire residents have until December 15 to sign up for a plan on the individual marketplace.
