New Hampshire Settled Lawsuit Over Home Care Services
The state agreed to reform its at-home care program after a lawsuit challenged access to services for adults with disabilities.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Special Needs
Live Poll
Do you trust that your state government effectively manages home care services for people with disabilities?
New Hampshire reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding the Choices for Independence program, which provides essential at-home care for roughly 4,000 residents. The state has committed to a four-year plan to address critical caregiver shortages and service gaps.
Why it matters
The settlement addresses allegations that state administration of the program left many participants with unmet daily living needs. By increasing caregiver reimbursement and enhancing oversight, the state aims to ensure that residents with disabilities can receive reliable support in their own homes.
The settlement concluded a 2021 class action lawsuit that challenged the state's failure to provide sufficient at-home care. The agreement requires biannual compliance reporting and a new online provider portal to address gaps in service coverage.
The players
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
The state agency responsible for overseeing public health, social services, and the administration of disability support programs.
Disability Rights Center
An advocacy organization focused on protecting the legal rights and accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities.
AARP Foundation
The charitable affiliate of AARP that works to resolve legal and systemic barriers to health and financial security for older adults.
NH Legal Assistance
A nonprofit law firm providing civil legal aid to low-income residents regarding housing, healthcare, and disability rights.
The details
The reforms center on stabilizing the workforce by raising reimbursement rates for caregivers, a move designed to mitigate the chronic staffing shortages that prevented participants from accessing care. The department will also implement a more robust grievance system to proactively identify and rectify unmet needs, while mandating yearly provider network analyses to ensure adequate coverage throughout New Hampshire.
Timeline
The class action lawsuit was initiated in 2021.
The settlement was reached on October 5, 2026.
The trial was originally scheduled for November 2026.
Programmatic reforms are mandated to occur over the next four years.
Health Landscape
This settlement aligns with the legal framework established by the Olmstead decision, which enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act integration mandate for state-funded care programs. It represents a significant shift toward holding states accountable for maintaining viable, accessible home-care networks.
Participants of the Choices for Independence program should monitor the rollout of the new online provider portal to better track available services. If you or a loved one encounter persistent gaps in care, the state's new grievance system is a vital channel worth discussing with your physician or legal advocate.
The takeaway
Reliable at-home care is a critical component of health management for individuals with disabilities. Residents who rely on these services should document any disruptions in care and utilize the updated state grievance system to ensure their medical and daily living needs remain met.
Further reading
For additional context on programs supporting individuals with disabilities, visit Special Needs.
Live Poll
Do you trust that your state government effectively manages home care services for people with disabilities?
