CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire officials will hold a public hearing Thursday on proposed changes to the state's Medicaid program.

The proposed changes would make it harder for people to qualify for Medicaid if they give away assets before they apply.

Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen said the changes are to ensure the truly needy benefit from Medicaid, not people who hide their assets.

The hearing will be at the department from 9-11 a.m. Thursday. A copy of the proposed changes is available on the department's web site at http://www.dhhs.nh.gov

Stephen plans to ask the federal government to approve the changes despite not having Gov. John Lynch's blessing. Lynch says federal authorities won't approve the changes without his support.