Long-Term Care Costs Surge in New Hampshire, Outpacing National Trends

The cost of long-term care services in New Hampshire has increased year-over-year, surpassing national averages, according to the 2024 Cost of Care Survey conducted by Genworth and CareScout. The survey indicates a continued upward trend in long-term care costs across various care types nationwide, with cost increases for most care types continuing to outpace inflation rates. Here's how the cost of care in New Hampshire compares with national trends and the previous year:

| Care Category | New Hampshire 2024 Annual Cost Change Since 2023 | National 2024 Annual Cost Change Since 2023 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homemaker Services | $86,944 (17%) | $75,504 (10%) |
| Home Health Aide | $89,232 (2%) | $77,792 (3%) |
| Adult Day Care | $24,440 (n/a) | $26,000 (n/a) |
| Assisted Living Communities | $89,175 (6%) | $70,800 (10%) |
| Nursing Home Semi-Private Room | $149,650 (4%) | $111,325 (7%) |
| Nursing Home Private Room | $157,680 (5%) | $127,750 (9%) |

The primary factors driving the increase in long-term care costs in New Hampshire are inflation and labor costs, which are also the top factors contributing to increased costs nationwide. The cost of homemaker services in New Hampshire increased by 17%, compared to a 10% increase nationally. Similarly, the cost of assisted living communities in New Hampshire increased by 6%, compared to a 10% increase nationally. These trends suggest that inflation and labor costs are significant factors driving the increase in long-term care costs in New Hampshire, as they are nationwide.

The increasing costs of long-term care services in New Hampshire have a significant impact on the affordability and accessibility of care for residents, particularly those with moderate incomes. The annual median cost of a private nursing home room in New Hampshire is $157,680, which is more than the median annual income of a New Hampshire resident (around $40,000 in 2020). This means that many residents would struggle to pay for long-term care services out of pocket.

Moreover, the rising costs of long-term care services can lead to financial strain for families, potentially forcing them to choose between paying for care and meeting other basic needs. This can result in delayed or reduced access to care, as well as increased reliance on informal caregivers, such as family members or friends, who may not be equipped to provide the necessary level of care.

The increasing long-term care costs also have implications for the state's budget and Medicaid program. As more residents require long-term care services, the demand for Medicaid-funded care increases, putting additional pressure on the state's budget. This can lead to difficult decisions about how to allocate resources and prioritize spending.

In conclusion, the increasing long-term care costs in New Hampshire have a significant impact on the affordability and accessibility of care for residents with moderate incomes. These rising costs can lead to financial strain for families, delayed or reduced access to care, and increased reliance on informal caregivers. The increasing demand for Medicaid-funded care also has implications for the state's budget and the prioritization of spending. As the costs of long-term care services continue to rise, it is essential for policymakers to address the underlying factors driving these increases and explore innovative solutions to improve the affordability and accessibility of care for New Hampshire residents.