This information was collected through a combination of state surveys and NASHP staff research. It offers a snapshot of how the state is defining, training, certifying, and paying for the CHW workforce — as well as how the state is developing cross-agency and state-to-local strategies to improve community health in partnership with CHWs.
This is a dynamic policy space, and states are continuing to develop new approaches. We will continue to make periodic updates to this page. Learn more about state CHW policies across the U.S.
State CHW Definition
New Hampshire has adopted the APHA definition of CHWs.
For Medicaid reimbursement purposes, the state uses the statutory definition of a certified community health worker: “a community health worker to whom the office of professional licensure and certification has issued a certificate to practice as a certified community health worker.”
State CHW Governance
New Hampshire does not have a dedicated state office of CHWs. The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification(OPLC) will develop and administer the voluntary certification criteria for “Certified Community Health Workers” (CCHWs).
Certification and Training
Recently enacted New Hampshire legislation (SB 403) requires the creation of a voluntary certification to create a Medicaid reimbursement pathway for “Certified Community Health Workers” (CCHW). The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) is New Hampshire’s state government entity required to develop and administer the voluntary certification criteria for CCHWs.
CHW training is offered statewide through the North Country Health Consortium, New Hampshire CHW Coalition and Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Center. Additionally, various CHW professional development trainings are offered year-round.
Medicaid Reimbursement
New Hampshire does not reimburse for CHW services through Medicaid.
SB 403 requires New Hampshire to submit a State Plan amendment (SPA) that will provide Medicaid reimbursement for certified CHWs when approved. The state plans to undertake CHW stakeholder engagement to inform services and payment structures.
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms
CHW positions are typically funded through federal grants and state-based funding as available.
Key Partnerships
The North Country Health Consortium, New Hampshire CHW Coalition, and Southern New Hampshire Area Health Education Centers are key partners in supporting and training the CHW workforce. The New Hampshire Workforce Coalition has been active in supporting CHW legislation. New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is building strong cross-sector partnerships with these organizations to better align resources and maximize input throughout the regulatory development process.
State CHW Legislation
SB 403 requires the creation of a voluntary certification to create a Medicaid reimbursement pathway for “Certified Community Health Workers” (CCHW). The legislation also requires the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services to submit a Medicaid State Plan amendment to CMS to allow for reimbursement for services provided by Certified CHWs upon its approval. The department can use federal funds and existing budget funds to sustain CHW work in the state until June 30, 2025.
State Resources
ACO – Accountable care organization
AHEC – Area Health Education Centers
APHA – American Public Health Association
APM – Alternative payment model
CBO – Community-based organization
CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CDC CCR Funding – Community Health Workers for COVID Response and Resilient Communities Funding
CHR – Community health representative
CHW – Community health worker
CPT Codes – Current Procedural Terminology Codes
C3 Project – CHW Core Competency Project
FFS – Fee for services
HCSPCS Codes – Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System Codes
HRSA – Health Resources & Services Administration
MCO – Managed care organization
NACHW – National Association of Community Health Workers
SDOH – Social determinants of health
VBP – Value-based payment
State CHW Definition: This category indicates where states have a formal definition of a CHW. In some cases, where there is not a definition in statute, this category may draw information from provider manuals and state websites or reports.
Certification and Training: This category includes information about how CHWs are trained in the state, which entities provide training, whether or not the state runs or recognizes a CHW certification program, and information about the entities that administer existing certification programs.
Medicaid Reimbursement: This category includes information about state Medicaid strategies that provide enrollees access to CHW services. Entries indicate whether state Medicaid programs currently reimburse for CHW services or incorporate CHWs into alternative payment models under the authority of a state plan amendment (SPA), or where states have earmarked funds to support CHW services under the authority of an 1115 demonstration waiver. It also indicates where CHW services might be supported through managed care approaches (e.g., where MCOs are paying for CHW services using administrative dollars or where states are using managed care contracts to incentivize or require MCOs to cover CHW services).
Other Funding or Financing Mechanisms: This category includes information about other state funding or financing approaches that cover CHW services or CHW positions. It includes information about federal grant dollars for which the state is the grantee.
Key Partnerships: This category offers information about key partners outside state government, including state CHW associations and CHW training entities, and highlights formal cross-agency partnerships within the state that support alignment of funding and resources for the CHW workforce.
State CHW Legislation: This category highlights any state legislation relevant to the CHW workforce. This might include statutory language directing agencies to develop a Medicaid reimbursement approach, laws that established state CHW certification, or other relevant statutes.
State Resources: This category offers links to any key reports or resources that states elected to highlight as critical to CHW policy and partnership.
