New Hampshire launched one of the most complete pre-release Medicaid programs in the country on January 1, 2025. The Adult Community Re-Entry Program provides eligible incarcerated individuals with behavioral health needs a targeted set of Medicaid services in the 45 days before release -- including care coordination, pre-release behavioral health visits covered by Medicaid, peer support, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and a 30-day supply of all prescription medications in hand at discharge. New Hampshire is believed to be the second state in the nation to implement this type of adult pre-release program.
The program has served more than 100 individuals since its launch and received $4.6 million in additional federal funding in August 2025 to continue operations and expand to New Hampshire's 10 county correctional facilities.
Here is how the full system works and what you need to do.
New Hampshire Community Re-Entry Program
Launched January 1, 2025, the NH Community Re-Entry Program is operated jointly by the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It is funded through a 5-year extension of New Hampshire's Section 1115(a) Demonstration waiver ("Substance Use Disorder, Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance, Treatment Recovery and Access"), approved by CMS in July 2024 and effective through June 30, 2029.
Who is eligible (adult program): Medicaid-eligible individuals ages 18 and older with a substance use disorder (SUD) and/or serious mental illness (SMI) or serious emotional disturbance (SED) who are incarcerated in a participating state correctional facility.
Current participating facilities: NH Correctional Facility for Women (NHCF-W), NH State Prison for Men (NHSP-M), Residential Treatment Unit (RTU), Secure Psychiatric Unit (SPU), Transitional Work Center (TWC), and Northern Correctional Facility (NCF). The program is expanding to the 10 county corrections facilities; readiness assessments for county facilities were underway through March 2026.
What the program provides in the 45 days before release:
Care coordination through Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs).
Two pre-release behavioral health provider appointments, covered by Medicaid.
Two peer-to-peer appointments, covered by Medicaid.
Pre-release intakes with community-based providers via telehealth, so you establish a relationship with your post-release provider before you leave.
Peer support services.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for qualifying individuals.
A 30-day supply of all prescription medications in hand at the time of discharge.
NHDOC case managers coordinate with DHHS to identify eligible individuals and initiate enrollment. Ask your NHDOC case manager or reentry coordinator directly whether you have been identified for the Community Re-Entry Program and what services have been initiated before your release date.
Youth Community Re-Entry Program: Youth under age 21 and former foster youth up to age 26 receive targeted case management and early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and testing services in the 30 days before and 30 days after release from the Sununu Youth Services Center (SYSC). This program is federally mandated and in effect as of January 1, 2025. County facility expansion is mandated by December 2026.
What NHDOC Provides at Release
The New Hampshire Department of Corrections (corrections.nh.gov) has NHDOC case managers who assist individuals with Medicaid applications and renewals. This responsibility continues under the Community Re-Entry Program.
Regarding ID documents before release: Ask your NHDOC case manager directly whether the facility provides assistance with state ID, driver's license, Social Security card, or birth certificate processing before release. Confirm the status of each document directly -- do not assume this has been initiated.
Getting Your New Hampshire State ID or Driver's License
New Hampshire state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV, nh.gov/dmv).
If your ID was not processed before release, visit any New Hampshire DMV location. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and New Hampshire residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a New Hampshire address. Your NHDOC release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.
Getting Your Social Security Card
If your Social Security card was not obtained before release, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate.
Ask your NHDOC case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing the card replacement and benefit application process to begin up to 90 days before release.
Getting Your Birth Certificate
If you were born in New Hampshire, request a certified copy from the New Hampshire Division of Vital Records Administration at sos.nh.gov/vital-records or by calling (603) 271-4654. The fee is currently $15 per copy.
If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time and delay your ID process.
New Hampshire Medicaid
New Hampshire expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Low-income adults who meet income requirements are generally eligible for New Hampshire Medicaid (NH Medicaid) after release. Apply at nh.gov or by calling NH DHHS at 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447).
If you have a SUD and/or SMI/SED and are incarcerated at a participating NHDOC facility, ask your case manager whether you are enrolled in the Community Re-Entry Program, which provides Medicaid services including a 30-day medication supply and telehealth connections to community providers before release.
SNAP: Food Assistance
New Hampshire has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with drug felony convictions are eligible for SNAP, subject to standard income and eligibility requirements.
Apply for SNAP at nh.gov or by calling NH DHHS at 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447). You will need to verify identity, residency, income, and household composition. Confirm current SNAP eligibility rules at dhhs.nh.gov or with NH Legal Assistance (nhla.org).
Voting Rights in New Hampshire
A felony conviction in New Hampshire results in loss of voting rights during incarceration and during any period of parole or probation. Voting rights are restored upon completion of your sentence, including completion of all probation and parole supervision.
You do not need to apply for restoration -- rights are restored automatically when supervision ends. Contact the New Hampshire Secretary of State's office (sos.nh.gov) or NH Legal Assistance (nhla.org) to confirm your specific eligibility and re-register to vote.
NHDOC and Reentry Resources
NHDOC (corrections.nh.gov): Reentry programming; Community Re-Entry Program coordination; case managers assist with Medicaid applications and renewals.
NH Community Re-Entry Program (dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/medicaid-waivers-demonstrations/community-reentry): Adult program (45 days before release; SUD/SMI/SED; Medicaid-eligible; NHDOC state facilities); Youth program (30 days before and after release; under 21 and former foster youth up to 26; SYSC). Both launched January 1, 2025.
NH DHHS (dhhs.nh.gov; 1-844-ASK-DHHS / 1-844-275-3447): Medicaid and SNAP applications; Community Re-Entry Program administration.
NH DMV (nh.gov/dmv): State ID and driver's license.
NH Division of Vital Records (sos.nh.gov/vital-records; 603-271-4654): Birth certificates; $15 per copy.
Dismas Home of New Hampshire (dismasnh.org): Transitional housing and reentry support in New Hampshire.
NH Legal Assistance (nhla.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income New Hampshire residents, including benefit access, housing rights, and reentry matters.
211 New Hampshire (211nh.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, and social services by county.
Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Frequently asked questions
Does NHDOC help with ID documents before release?
NHDOC case managers assist individuals with Medicaid applications and renewals, and this role continues under the Community Re-Entry Program. For state ID, driver's license, Social Security card, and birth certificate assistance, ask your NHDOC case manager directly about what document processing the facility initiates before release and confirm the status of each document. Do not assume these have been initiated -- ask directly.
What is New Hampshire's Community Re-Entry Program?
The NH Community Re-Entry Program, launched January 1, 2025, is believed to be the second adult pre-release Medicaid program of its type in the country. For eligible adults with SUD and/or SMI/SED at NHDOC state facilities, the program provides -- in the 45 days before release -- care coordination through Medicaid MCOs, two provider behavioral health appointments covered by Medicaid, two peer appointments, telehealth pre-release intakes with community providers, peer support, MAT, and a 30-day supply of all prescription medications at discharge. The program operates under a 5-year 1115(a) waiver (effective through June 30, 2029) and received $4.6 million in federal grant funding in August 2025 for expansion to county facilities. Ask your NHDOC case manager whether you are enrolled.
Can I get Medicaid after prison in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire expanded Medicaid and low-income adults are generally eligible after release. Apply at nh.gov or call 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447). If you have a SUD and/or SMI/SED and are incarcerated at a participating NHDOC facility, you may be eligible for Community Re-Entry services including a 30-day medication supply and telehealth connections to community providers before release -- ask your case manager about enrollment.
Can I get SNAP benefits after prison in New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire has no drug conviction SNAP ban. People with felony drug convictions are eligible for SNAP subject to standard income and eligibility requirements. Apply at nh.gov or call 1-844-ASK-DHHS (1-844-275-3447). Confirm current eligibility rules with NH Legal Assistance (nhla.org) or at dhhs.nh.gov.
Can I vote after prison in New Hampshire?
Your voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including any period of probation or parole. You cannot vote while incarcerated or while on supervision for a felony conviction. Once supervision ends, your rights are restored without any waiting period or petition. Contact the NH Secretary of State (sos.nh.gov) or NH Legal Assistance (nhla.org) to confirm your specific situation and re-register to vote.
How do I get my birth certificate in New Hampshire?
If you were born in New Hampshire, request a certified copy from the NH Division of Vital Records Administration at sos.nh.gov/vital-records or by calling (603) 271-4654. The current fee is $15 per copy. Ask your NHDOC case manager whether the facility can assist with this before release. If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office early -- out-of-state requests take time.
How do I replace my Social Security card in NH?
Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate. Ask your NHDOC case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing this process to begin up to 90 days before release. SSA reentry benefits information is at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.
Who qualifies for the adult Community Re-Entry program?
Eligibility requires being: (1) Medicaid-eligible; (2) age 18 or older; (3) diagnosed with a substance use disorder (SUD) and/or serious mental illness (SMI) or serious emotional disturbance (SED); and (4) incarcerated in a currently participating NHDOC state facility (NHCF-W, NHSP-M, RTU, SPU, TWC, or NCF). The program is expanding to county facilities as readiness assessments are completed. Identification of eligible individuals and enrollment is coordinated by NHDOC case managers and DHHS. Ask your case manager directly whether you have been identified and enrolled.
What benefits can I apply for after release in NH?
NH Medicaid at nh.gov (1-844-ASK-DHHS) for low-income adults -- Community Re-Entry may provide pre-release enrollment and a 30-day medication supply if you qualify. SNAP (food assistance) at nh.gov (1-844-ASK-DHHS) -- drug convictions do not bar you. SSI or SSDI through SSA (1-800-772-1213) if you qualify through age or disability. Veterans' benefits through the VA if applicable. 211 NH (dial 211) provides county referrals for housing, food, and social services. NH Legal Assistance (nhla.org) provides free help navigating benefit access.
What reentry resources does NHDOC provide?
NHDOC (corrections.nh.gov) case managers assist with Medicaid applications and renewals. The Community Re-Entry Program (launched January 1, 2025) provides pre-release Medicaid services for eligible adults with SUD/SMI/SED at NHDOC state facilities, including care coordination, behavioral health visits, peer support, MAT, and a 30-day prescription supply at discharge -- expanding to county facilities through 2026. Dismas Home of New Hampshire (dismasnh.org) provides transitional housing and reentry support. 211 NH (211nh.org, dial 211) provides county referrals. NH Legal Assistance (nhla.org) provides free civil legal help. ---