Healthcare

failed · New Hampshire · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 545: relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program.

SB 545 removes the asset limit (resource test) for New Hampshire's Medicare Savings Program, allowing seniors previously denied due to savings or assets to qualify. It also seeks federal approval to extend the low-income Medicare Part D subsidy, helping residents cover prescription drug costs. The bill directly affects approximately 2,033 additional seniors who were previously ineligible under the asset rule. This change would make program eligibility solely based on income, not savings or assets, with estimated annual state costs of $2.3 million from general funds.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves asset limits for Medicare savings, expanding coverage to 2,033 additional seniors and extending low-income drug subsidies, directly advancing healthcare access.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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failed · New Hampshire · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 543: relative to long-term care eligibility and making an appropriation therefor.

SB 543 establishes provisional eligibility for Medicaid nursing facility services in New Hampshire, directly affecting long-term care applicants and nursing facilities. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to grant temporary coverage within 90 days of application submission if a facility agrees to comply with program terms, without waiting for full application completion. This provisional status lasts up to 18 months or until a final eligibility decision, with facilities receiving payments during this period and required to reimburse funds if final approval is denied. The bill appropriates $1 for the 2026-2027 biennium to fund this program and creates two new positions within the department to manage it (per RSA 167:8).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates funds for Medicaid nursing facility provisional coverage, directly funding essential long-term care services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEstablishes provisional Medicaid nursing facility eligibility, reducing wait times for long-term care access and expanding patient coverage under public health program.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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vetoed · New Hampshire · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 349: relative to the practice of optometry and authorization to perform ophthalmic laser procedures.

HB 349 authorizes licensed optometrists who meet specific board-certification criteria to perform three eye laser procedures: laser capsulotomy, laser trabeculoplasty, and laser peripheral iridotomy. It directly affects optometrists seeking to expand their scope of practice, requiring them to complete approved education, training, and experience before performing these procedures. The bill mandates the Board of Registration in Optometry to establish rules for certification, including minimum training standards, proctoring requirements, and outcome reporting for these procedures. The law takes effect 60 days after passage, with no new state funding provided.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAuthorizes optometrists to perform specific eye laser procedures, expanding scope of practice and improving patient access to specialized eye care.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 13, 2026

HCR 12: calling upon the federal delegation from New Hampshire to support Medicare for All, a universal health insurance program that guarantees all people the health care they need.

HCR 12 is a New Hampshire legislative resolution urging the state's federal congressional delegation to support Medicare for All. It requests federal lawmakers pursue legislation establishing universal health coverage through Medicare, including comprehensive benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drugs without deductibles, and transitioning current Medicaid recipients into the program. The resolution outlines six key provisions for such a system, emphasizing preventive care, provider choice, cost controls, and quality oversight. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change federal law but expresses the legislature's position on health care policy.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCalls for universal Medicare coverage including dental/vision without deductibles, expanding access and comprehensive benefits beyond current Medicaid.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 13, 2026

HB 1760: repealing the directive that the department of health and human services seek a waiver to establish pharmacy copayment and premium requirements under the state Medicaid plan and making an appropriation therefor.

HB 1760 repeals a requirement that the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services seek a waiver to impose pharmacy copayments and premiums on Medicaid beneficiaries, including those in the New Hampshire Advantage Health Care Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program. It removes specific law sections (2025, 141:65; RSA 126-AA:2-a; and RSA 126-A:3, IX) that would have mandated these cost-sharing measures. The bill appropriates funds to the Department of Health and Human Services to cover the resulting revenue shortfall for the 2026-2027 biennium. This change directly eliminates new costs for Medicaid participants while maintaining program funding stability.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRepeals Medicaid copayment requirement and appropriates state funds to cover costs, directly funding Medicaid without beneficiary cost-sharing.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRepeals Medicaid copayment/premium mandates, eliminating cost barriers for beneficiaries and improving access to care under state Medicaid programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 1313: repealing buffer zones for reproductive health care facilities.

HB 1313 repeals New Hampshire's current law (RSA 132:37-40) that prohibited people from entering or remaining on public sidewalks adjacent to reproductive health care facilities. This directly affects individuals and groups seeking to engage in free speech activities - such as handing out literature or speaking - near clinic entrances. The key provision removes the buffer zone restriction, allowing people to approach sidewalks without legal penalty. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and has no estimated fiscal impact on state or local governments.

Topics ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareRemoves buffer zones near reproductive health clinics, potentially restricting patient access and safety at healthcare facilities per bill's effect on clinic entrances.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Healthcare

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 1773: relative to food and drink purchased under SNAP, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.

HB 1773 would direct New Hampshire to seek federal approval to prohibit SNAP (food stamp) benefits from purchasing sweetened drinks (with 5g+ added sugar) and candy. The bill requires the state health department to submit a waiver to the USDA by January 2027, defining prohibited items like soda and candy bars while excluding milk, juice blends, and certain non-refrigerated sweets. It mandates implementation plans for retailers and annual reports on purchasing patterns and health outcomes. This would directly affect SNAP recipients in New Hampshire who currently use benefits for these restricted items.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRestricts SNAP purchases of sugary drinks/candy to improve public health outcomes, aligning with public health program goals through USDA waiver and health outcome reporting.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Healthcare

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