Open enrollment is here, but for many Granite Staters shopping on the Affordable Care Act marketplace, the process is more confusing and expensive than ever.

There are steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

📖 Read the full story and tips from KFF Health News: Why health insurance is so expensive this year—and what you can do about it.

Here’s what else we’re covering today:

❓ My parents’ green card is delayed, and now they can’t come to my wedding. I’m devastated. What should I do?

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P.S. Our offices will be closed tomorrow for Veterans Day, which means no Tuesday newsletter. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Wednesday!

A number of Republicans in highly competitive 2026 New Hampshire races are coming out against affordable health care and protections as the federal government shutdown drags on over Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.

According to recent polls, three-quarters (74%) of the public support extending ACA tax credits, which are driving the shutdown.

Colin Booth breaks down where candidates stand on the issue.

🗳️ Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s daughter sharply criticizes deal to end shutdown

“Stefany Shaheen is running for a House seat in New Hampshire on a health care platform and with a boost from her family name and the legacy of her mother, Jeanne Shaheen, the state’s former governor and now its senior senator. So when the elder Ms. Shaheen negotiated to move toward ending the government shutdown without a Republican agreement to extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies that Democrats have demanded, the younger Ms. Shaheen had a problem.” — New York Times

“All New Hampshire Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients received their full benefits for November, but the USDA is asking states to ‘undo’ payments.” —
WMUR

🍄 Psilocybin would be legalized for medical use under NH bill

“Medical providers would be allowed to give psilocybin, the hallucinogenic compound found in some mushrooms, to patients for treatment of post traumatic stress disorder and some types of depression, under a bill lawmakers will consider next year.” — Keene Sentinel

Farmer’s Almanac in Maine may be going away, but the New Hampshire-based Old Farmers’ Almanac will continue. — Pulse of NH

“The ordinance was established in 2020 to take a stand against discrimination in all forms. City officials say that the mission continues, despite the City Council voting 8-1 to repeal the ordinance.” — WCAX

Health insurance prices are going up—a lot.

If you buy coverage through Healthcare.gov here in New Hampshire, premiums are expected to rise about 30% next year.

To make it worse, the enhanced premium tax credits, which help people with incomes below 400% of the federal poverty line, are set to expire at the end of 2025. If Congress doesn’t extend them, some insurance costs could more than double.

So, this week’s question is…

How are health insurance price hikes affecting your budget, coverage, or peace of mind?

Welcome to our weekly advice column, courtesy of Grace: She’s the big sister who shares her own mistakes so you can avoid making them, the coworker who builds you up to ask for the raise you deserve, and the friend who is always happy to listen.

We all need someone like Grace in our corner. Submit your own questions here.

Dear Grace,

I am marrying the love of my life in a couple of months! Until now, everything has gone perfectly, and I’ve been SO excited. We are writing our own vows, we love our venue, and my sister and I DIYed a bunch of the signs and table settings.

The only major issue is that now, I don’t think my parents can come. My sister and I are both citizens, but my parents have not become citizens yet after immigrating here. My whole life, I have watched them balance working full-time and raising us with immigration interviews and doing mountains of paperwork late into the night. 

Last month, my mom and dad had to go back to their home country because my Grandma was getting surgery and needed help, but now their green card process is delayed, and they can’t come back until they get new papers. This could take months or years. This wasn’t supposed to happen, their lawyer told them it would be fine.

I’ve been crying ever since they told me. My mom was supposed to give a speech. My dad was supposed to walk me down the aisle. If they can’t be there, it won’t be right. My fiancé has been really nice and supportive, but he can’t fix it. 

Should we cancel the wedding? I don’t know what to do.

— Devastated Bride-To-Be, West Texas

Dear Devastated,

Oh friend, I am so sorry you’re going through this. Planning a wedding is hard enough—sticking to a budget, choosing the right cake, managing family drama. And now, on top of everything, you’re being told your parents might not be able to come because of some immigration red tape? That’s just plain heartbreaking and unfair. At the end of the day, weddings are supposed to be full of joy, not bad news and government paperwork. 

Let’s take this one step at a time so we can figure out how to keep your heart in the day…

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Katy Savage with stories from KFF Health News, Colin Booth, and Galvanize Together. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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