Sununu willing to compromise on Medicaid provider rates

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is willing to compromise with legislators on the subject of Medicaid provider rates as both sides try to agree on the next state budget.

In June, the Republican governor vetoed the Democratic-controlled Legislature’s budget, which included $60 million for across-the-board rate increases for Medicaid providers.

Sununu said in a letter Thursday to members of the New Hampshire Health Care Workforce Coalition that he and Health Commissioner Jeff Meyers preferred targeted increases “to those who need it most.” He said he was concerned the budget wouldn’t ensure an equitable allocation to Medicaid providers.

Sununu said in the spirit of compromise, “I will set aside my concerns over inequity and accept the Legislature’s preferred approach,” as long as it doesn’t threaten New Hampshire’s long-term finances.