WellCare's $389 silver is the cheapest of any of the 23 states we serve — and it pairs with New Hampshire's lowest deductible, $1,714. But the Granite State's subsidies run lean, so full-price shoppers carry more weight here than almost anywhere. Here's the 2026 picture.
Based on 2026 rate analyses, WellCare (Ambetter/Celtic) has the cheapest silver plan in New Hampshire at about $389 a month for a 40-year-old — the lowest silver price in any of the 23 states we serve — and pairs it with the state's lowest average deductible, about $1,714. That combination (cheapest premium and cheapest cost-sharing) almost never happens.
Four carriers sell 2026 plans: WellCare, Anthem (Matthew Thornton), Harvard Pilgrim, and WellSense (Boston Medical Center's plan). The spread is wide — Harvard Pilgrim's comparable silver runs about $678 after a 43.1% repricing — and New Hampshire's reinsurance program is a big reason the floor stays this low.
The rare plan that wins on premium and deductible at once. The trade is a narrow HMO network — verify your doctors and hospital before enrolling, especially in the North Country.
The broadest name in the state at a mid-tier price with a below-average increase (+21.9%) — the usual pick when WellCare's network doesn't fit.
Boston Medical Center's nonprofit plan held the state's smallest increase and brings strong Massachusetts-border network logic for southern-tier commuters.
Figures are approximate, from 2026 rate analyses for a 40-year-old on silver plans. Harvard Pilgrim (~$678) also competes after the steepest repricing in the market. Your rate varies by region, age, household size, tobacco use, and income.
WellCare's $389 sticker is remarkable, but its narrow network isn't for everyone — and with lean NH subsidies, the full-price math deserves care. A licensed agent can run all four carriers for your ZIP code, age, and income — free, in about 10 minutes.
No cost. No obligation to enroll. Licensed in 23 states, including New Hampshire.
Before subsidies, silver plans for a 40-year-old Granite Stater run from about $389 to $678 a month in 2026 — a $289 spread across just four carriers. The average approved increase was 28.1%; the average subsidized enrollee pays about $200, more than in most states we serve.
| Carrier | 2026 position | Approved rate increase |
|---|---|---|
| WellSense (Boston Medical Center) | Nonprofit; smallest increase | +19.3% |
| Anthem (Matthew Thornton) | ~$540 silver; broadest network | +21.9% |
| WellCare (Celtic) | Cheapest silver ~$389; lowest deductible ~$1,714 | +35.8% |
| Harvard Pilgrim | ~$678 silver; steepest repricing | +43.1% |
Approximate 2026 figures from New Hampshire Insurance Department filings and public rate analyses, before premium tax credits. Availability and pricing vary by region.
ACA rates follow the federal age curve — a 64-year-old can be charged up to three times a 21-year-old's rate. Using a ~$585 New Hampshire silver average at age 40:
| Age | Approx. monthly premium (silver) | vs. age 21 |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | ~$460 | 1.0× |
| 30 | ~$520 | 1.1× |
| 40 | ~$585 | 1.3× |
| 50 | ~$820 | 1.8× |
| 60 | ~$1,245 | 2.7× |
Illustrative — applies the federal default age factors to an approximate 2026 New Hampshire silver average. Subsidies are age-aware, so older enrollees with moderate incomes often receive much larger credits.
New Hampshire's 2026 pairs record enrollment with leaner-than-average help:
The enhanced premium tax credits that capped marketplace premiums from 2021–2025 ended December 31, 2025 — the single biggest driver of this year's rate jump. The original ACA credits are still in place for households between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (roughly up to $62,600 single, $128,600 family of four).
New Hampshire's average premium tax credit is $378 a month — roughly half what states like Mississippi see — and the average enrollee pays about $342 before, $200 after help. Higher incomes and a low-priced benchmark both shrink credits, so sticker-price shopping (and WellCare's $389 floor) matters more in New Hampshire than almost anywhere.
Starting in 2026, ground ambulance providers can no longer balance-bill patients beyond their plan's cost-sharing — closing one of the most common surprise-bill gaps. The state's reinsurance program (running since 2021) continues to hold down full-price premiums.
Sources: healthinsurance.org New Hampshire marketplace guide, MoneyGeek, HealthCare.gov.
New Hampshire is compact, but its networks aren't interchangeable:
In a four-carrier state with a $289 spread, the question isn't finding the cheap plan — it's confirming the cheap plan's HMO network actually includes your providers.
Tell me your ZIP code, ages, and household income — I'll compare every carrier filed in your area (and check Medicaid eligibility while we're at it), then show you what you'd actually pay after subsidies.
Free comparison. No pressure, no obligation.
Metal tiers are about how you split costs with the insurer — not the quality of care. With WellCare's silver already carrying a $1,714 deductible, New Hampshire's tier ladder is unusually flat:
Lowest premium, ~$10,600 deductible. Pure emergency protection — no subsidy eligibility.
Cheapest subsidized tier. Pair an HSA-eligible bronze plan with tax-free savings if you're healthy.
The sweet spot for most Granite Staters — WellCare's ~$389/$1,714-deductible silver is arguably the best silver value in any state we serve.
Worth comparing against silver every year — rate-filing quirks sometimes put gold within a few dollars.
Highest premium, lowest out-of-pocket. Rarely offered in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire's safety net is stronger than its lean subsidies suggest:
Turning 65 soon? Marketplace plans stop making sense once Medicare kicks in — see your Medicare options instead.
Cheapest premium plus lowest deductible is as good as it looks — if your doctors and hospital are in the HMO network. If they're not, Anthem's $540 mid-path usually beats paying out-of-network.
New Hampshire expanded Medicaid — under roughly 138% of the poverty level you likely qualify for free or nearly free coverage, year-round.
Credits are based on this year's income estimate, and the math changed for 2026. A mid-year income change, a new baby, or a household change can unlock help immediately.
Cost-sharing reductions only attach to silver plans. They can cut a multi-thousand-dollar deductible to a few hundred dollars — a benefit bronze and gold buyers give up.
Increases ranged from 19% to 43% across four carriers, which reshuffled the price order. If you're on Harvard Pilgrim especially, compare before renewing — its repricing was the state's steepest.
Premiums are regulated: you pay the same whether you enroll alone or with an agent. The difference is having someone who runs all four carriers, does the math on the whole year — premiums plus deductibles — and answers the phone after you enroll.
Based on 2026 rate analyses, WellCare has the cheapest silver plan in New Hampshire at about $389 a month for a 40-year-old — the lowest silver price in any of the 23 states we serve — and it also carries the state's lowest average deductible at about $1,714. Anthem (~$540) is the usual alternative when WellCare's narrow HMO network doesn't fit.
Before subsidies, silver plans for a 40-year-old run from about $389 to $678 a month in 2026. Premiums rose 28.1% on average, and New Hampshire's subsidies are leaner than most states' — the average credit is $378/month and the average enrollee pays about $342 before assistance — so sticker prices matter more here.
Yes. New Hampshire uses the federal marketplace — you shop and enroll at HealthCare.gov, and a licensed agent can quote and enroll you through it at no extra cost. Plans, prices, and subsidies are identical either way.
Yes. The original ACA premium tax credits are still in place for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level — roughly up to $62,600 for a single person or $128,600 for a family of four. What expired at the end of 2025 were the enhanced subsidies, which had capped premiums and extended help above 400% of poverty.
If you've had a qualifying life event in the last 60 days — losing other coverage, moving, marriage, a new baby, certain income changes — you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on HealthCare.gov and can enroll now. Medicaid and CHIP enrollment (for those who qualify) is open year-round. Otherwise, open enrollment for 2027 coverage begins November 1, 2026.
Yes. New Hampshire expanded Medicaid through the Granite Advantage Health Care Program — adults with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (roughly $21,600 for a single person) qualify regardless of whether they have children. Children are covered through NH Medicaid at higher family income levels. Enrollment is year-round.
Network design. WellCare runs a narrow HMO — fewer contracted hospitals and specialists, no out-of-network coverage — which lets it price silver at $389 with a $1,714 deductible while Harvard Pilgrim charges $678. For people whose providers are in-network, it's arguably the best silver value in any state we serve. For everyone else, the savings evaporate the first time care happens outside the network — so check before you commit.
No. Premiums are filed with regulators and are identical whether you enroll through HealthCare.gov yourself, directly with the carrier, or with a licensed agent. Agents are paid by the insurance companies, so the guidance costs you nothing extra.
Premium figures on this page are approximate averages drawn from 2026 individual-market rate filings and analyses, including healthinsurance.org, MoneyGeek, and ValuePenguin, checked July 2026. They are illustrations, not quotes: your premium depends on your region, age, household, tobacco use, income, and the plan you choose. Official plan pricing is available at HealthCare.gov or through any licensed agent.
Zuriel is licensed in 23 states. Explore cost guides for other states we serve:
Talk with Zuriel Kinlock, a licensed insurance agent, and get a real comparison of every 2026 plan filed in your New Hampshire region — free, with zero obligation.
Important: This page is for general information and reflects approximate 2026 figures from public sources; it is not a quote, and submitting information or speaking with a licensed insurance agent does not guarantee enrollment, eligibility, savings, approval, or specific benefits. There is no obligation to enroll. Smooth Health Solutions is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, CMS, HealthCare.gov, or any government agency. Plan availability, benefits, premiums, and eligibility vary by plan, carrier, location, and individual circumstances.
