On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) became law, introducing major changes to health coverage, taxes, and safety net programs. If you’re a senior, caregiver, or Medicare enrollee in New Hampshire, here’s what you need to know — and what it could mean for your wallet and your health coverage.

Some changes feel like a gentle tap from a woodpecker, others more like one of our famous Mount Washington windstorms. Either way, it pays to stay informed.

Medicare and Medicaid are taking some significant hits. The bill imposes unprecedented cuts to health programs, including more than $1 trillion from Medicaid and other safety-net programs. These reductions may accelerate the date when Medicare’s hospital trust fund could become insolvent, potentially triggering automatic cuts totaling about $500 billion between 2026 and 2034 — unless Congress steps in.

For immigrant seniors, the rules are changing too. Certain lawfully present but undocumented immigrants may now be entirely denied Medicare eligibility, even if they’ve paid into the program for decades. Green card holders now face a five-year waiting period before they can access Medicare or Medicaid benefits.

Low-income seniors may also feel the impact. Reforms designed to make it easier to access Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and Extra Help with prescription costs have been delayed until 2035. Meanwhile, Medicaid now requires able-bodied adults aged 19–64 to complete at least 80 hours of community engagement each month to maintain coverage. Don’t worry — if you’re 65 or older, these work requirements do not apply.

On the bright side, there’s a new $6,000 federal tax deduction for seniors starting in 2025, called the “Senior Bonus Deduction.” Eligible individuals 65 and older can claim this deduction, which can help reduce taxable income and taxes owed. While this doesn’t directly affect Medicare benefits or your IRMAA calculation, it’s like finding an extra seed in the bird feeder — more money stays in your pocket.

So how could these changes affect you specifically?

For Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, cuts to Medicaid and Medicare funding might reduce supplemental benefits such as dental, vision, or transportation. Coverage rules could tighten, making prior authorization more common and benefit limits stricter over time.

For those with Original Medicare + Medigap, core Medicare benefits remain intact, but reduced Medicaid support or enrollment barriers could make it harder to get help with premiums, deductibles, or prescriptions if you’re dual-eligible. Extra Help or MSP programs may become more difficult to qualify for, meaning out-of-pocket costs could increase.

Here’s what you should do next, especially if you live in New Hampshire:

• Review your Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D coverage annually, especially if you’re dual eligible or rely on Medicaid benefits. We can help! Call us at (888) 465-9728.
• Stay informed about new rules for immigrant eligibility, work requirements, and delayed low-income enrollment.
• Claim your $6,000 Senior Bonus Deduction if you’re 65 or older — it’s automatic and can reduce your tax burden.
• Ask a licensed advisor or trusted advocate for help applying for Extra Help or MSP programs — many require manual applications.
• If you’re turning 65, weigh whether Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare + Medigap suits your needs best.

The Big Beautiful Bill brings a mix of benefits and cuts. While some seniors will gain from the new tax deduction, others — especially low-income or dual-eligible people — may lose health and prescription support. As your local Medicare guide, we’ll keep you informed and help ensure you’re in the plan that works best for your health, your budget, and your peace of mind.

At Woodpecker Insurance, we meet in person at our Concord office or through home visits across New Hampshire. No call centers, no confusing forms — just friendly guidance from your local Medicare Woodpeckers . Call us anytime for free, unbiased assistance with your Medicare plan at (888) 465-9728.