If you or a family member is on Medicaid in New Hampshire and needs a wheelchair ramp, grab bars, or wider doorways, the state's Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver can help pay for it. New Hampshire Medicaid is run by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through its Bureau of Adult and Aging Services. The CFI Waiver covers a service called Environmental Accessibility Services for people who qualify, and in New Hampshire, you can even direct that service yourself. Here is how the program works and how to apply.
What New Hampshire offers#
New Hampshire's program for this is the Choices for Independence (CFI) Waiver, a statewide home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver authorized under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. It serves adults age 65 and older, and adults ages 18 to 64 with a physical or other qualifying disability, who are Medicaid-eligible and need a nursing facility level of care. CFI is designed as a nursing-home diversion program, helping people stay in their own home instead of moving to a facility.
The waiver lists Environmental Accessibility Services, sometimes described as environmental or vehicle modification services, as a covered benefit. That includes home modifications for safety and accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and widened doorways. A more limited vehicle modification benefit also exists under the same service category. One feature stands out in New Hampshire: Environmental Accessibility Services can be self-directed, giving you more control over choosing and arranging the modification yourself, instead of working only through an agency.
Amounts and eligibility#
DHHS does not publish a per-modification or annual dollar cap for Environmental Accessibility Services, verified against DHHS pages in July 2026. Anyone quoting a fixed statewide dollar limit for this service is not using an official DHHS source. The amount approved depends on your individual care plan.
For financial eligibility, New Hampshire uses a special income limit for CFI and other HCBS participants. Your monthly income can be up to 300% of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rate, which comes to $2,982 a month for an individual in 2026. This special income limit, confirmed in DHHS's Adult Assistance Manual, means you may still qualify for CFI through this rule even if you exceed the income limits used for other Medicaid categories.
Only DHHS decides whether you qualify. Nothing here is a guarantee of eligibility.
How to apply in New Hampshire#
You can apply for Medicaid and the CFI Waiver online through NH Easy (nheasy.nh.gov), or in person at your local DHHS district office.
For help understanding your options or working through the application, contact ServiceLink, New Hampshire's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), at 1-866-634-9412. ServiceLink offers options counseling and can walk you through what to expect before you apply, and it is a good first call if you are not sure where to start.
The CFI Waiver has a limited number of participant slots. When they are full, a waitlist may form. New Hampshire does not publish a current wait time or waitlist count, so confirm your status directly with ServiceLink or DHHS when you apply.
Once you are enrolled, a case management agency working under the waiver helps develop your person-centered care plan, and that plan is what authorizes the modification. New Hampshire does not deliver CFI services through managed care plans.
The federal Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov, 1-800-677-1116) is a fallback if you need help finding other local aging services.
How it stacks with federal programs#
If the person needing modifications is a veteran, grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may help fund a larger project alongside New Hampshire Medicaid. See our VA home modification grants guide for details.
Original Medicare does not cover structural home modifications. Some Medicare Advantage plans, also called Part C, cover extras like grab bars or ramps as a supplemental benefit. Coverage is plan-specific, with no standard dollar amount, so ask your plan directly about what it covers.
Finding a provider who knows this program: Not every contractor has handled CFI Waiver paperwork. Adapta Home USA verifies providers' Medicaid Waiver Billing experience, so you can filter for pros who have done this before in New Hampshire. Find Home Modifications & Remodeling providers in New Hampshire with Medicaid Waiver Billing experience →
For the bigger picture on combining programs, see our national Medicaid HCBS waiver guide and our full guide to paying for home modifications.
FAQ#
Does New Hampshire Medicaid pay for home modifications like wheelchair ramps or grab bars?#
Yes. The Choices for Independence Waiver covers a service called Environmental Accessibility Services, which can include ramps, grab bars, and widened doorways for people who qualify.
What is the Choices for Independence Waiver and who is eligible?#
CFI is New Hampshire's home and community-based services waiver for adults age 65 and older, and adults ages 18 to 64 with a physical or other qualifying disability, who are Medicaid-eligible and need a nursing facility level of care.
Is there an income limit for New Hampshire's CFI Waiver in 2026?#
Yes. New Hampshire uses a special income limit of up to 300% of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate, which is $2,982 a month for an individual in 2026. This can help you qualify even if you exceed the limits used for other Medicaid categories.
How do I apply for the CFI Waiver in New Hampshire?#
Apply online through NH Easy (nheasy.nh.gov) or in person at a local DHHS district office. For help with the process, contact ServiceLink at 1-866-634-9412.
Find a verified provider near you#
Adapta Home USA's directory lets you search Home Modifications & Remodeling providers in New Hampshire and filter for Medicaid Waiver Billing experience. Our wheelchair ramp cost guide can help you budget while you wait to hear back from DHHS.
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional about your specific situation.
Program amounts, eligibility rules, and application procedures change. Figures on this page were verified against official government sources on the date shown, but you should confirm current details at VA.gov or with the administering agency before making decisions. Adapta Home USA is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.