Bureau of Adult and Aging Services (BAAS) Newsletter - December 2025

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services sent this bulletin at 12/05/2025 08:10 AM EST

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Bureau of Adult & Aging Services (BAAS) - December 2025

BAAS NEWS

Announcements

Medicaid Providers Resource Page

As a reminder our new Medicaid Providers Resource Page is live.

In January DHHS launched an online resource through NH EASY that gives Medicaid providers access to essential tools, guidance, and forms to support your work and to help better serve NH residents.  

This online resource page is designed to save Medicaid providers time, while keeping them informed, and streamline services to individuals. By simplifying the process of setting up provider accounts and making case management more efficient, providers can focus on delivering high-quality services to the individuals who rely on them.

Explore it now:

https://system.nheasy.dhhs.nh.gov/#/medicaid-providers/home

Or scan the QR code:

Recent General Memos and Policy Release and Forms

25-15 (PR) Revision of BAAS Form 3655 and New Form 3610

25-18 (PR) LTC Form Revisions He-E 802.18 and He-E 802.19

Provider Check-in on the 4th Tuesday of each month

BAAS Monthly Provider Check-Ins
The Bureau of Adult & Aging Services (BAAS) hosts regular Provider Check-In sessions on the fourth Tuesday of each month to share updates, highlight program changes, and discuss emerging priorities across New Hampshire’s aging and long-term services and supports system. These meetings are an open forum for providers to hear important announcements, ask questions, and collaborate directly with BAAS leadership and program staff.

Upcoming meeting details, including agendas and access information, are posted on the Bureau of Adult & Aging Care webpage. For additional information or specific inquiries, please contact the team at BAAS@dhhs.nh.gov.

BAAS Staff Update:

William Gaffney, Housing Continuum Administrator, Money Follows the Person Program

Bill has several years of experience in the human services field, from Residential Caseworker at a group home in Methuen, MA, Child Abuse Investigator in Orlando, FL, Senior Caseworker at a Therapeutic Day Treatment Program for youth under DYCF care in NH, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at Vocational Rehabilitation and Contract Manager at Vocational Rehabilitation. Upon joining the Department of Health & Human Services, his responsibilities included overseeing the State’s 10-Year Mental Health Plan at Bureau of Mental Health Services and Housing Planning Review Specialist at the Bureau of Mental Health Services overseeing the Bureau’s housing contracts. He is a father of two very active children, a 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son. They both play soccer and lacrosse, and his son also plays hockey. Bill helps coach their lacrosse and hockey teams. His family loves being outside, swimming, playing sports, going for walks and going on their boat as much as their short summers allow. 

Healthy Eating Matters At Every Age!

While holiday dishes are delicious, you can still work more fruits and vegetables into your meals—even this time of year! Try these 10 tips.

The Financial Burden of Caregiving

The cost of in-home care for older adults is rising more than three times faster than inflation, and AARP estimates that U.S. caregivers spend an average of $7,242 out of pocket each year. This NPR program explores what's driving up the cost of care and what can be done to combat it.

Listen Here

Social Security beneficiaries will soon receive 2026 benefit notices. Here are the changes to watch for next year.

Heads up! The Social Security Administration will be sending out your personalized benefit statements in early December, so keep an eye on your mailbox.
The new year brings a 2.8% Social Security cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA), which works out to about $56 more per month on average.
But with higher Medicare premiums expected, it can reduce how much of that increase you actually see. Medicare Open Enrollment ending Dec. 7, so now is the time to review your plan to make sure your 2026 benefits stretch as far as possible!

Read more here

7 Tips for Navigating Grief During the Holidays

As the holidays approach, you may experience conflicting feelings. Accepting the range of feelings and expressing feelings are important for coping with grief.
It's important to intentionally take care of yourself when grieving. Consider creating a checklist of healthy behaviors. Holidays can still be a time of connection and meaning.
Many of us experience grief during the holidays. Planning ahead, being flexible with traditions, and incorporating rituals to honor loved ones can help. Here are 7 tips for navigating grief during the holidays.