SB 136 creates a state fund to cover medically necessary care for uninsured patients by imposing a surcharge on commercial health insurers, reinsurers, and certain self-insured plans (including state/municipal plans). The fund, managed by the Department of Insurance, will support non-profit safety-net health providers who treat uninsured individuals who don’t qualify for government programs. Insurers must pay the assessment directly without passing costs to consumers via higher premiums, and an advisory committee will determine annual assessment levels and fund distribution. The program will begin in January 2026, with assessments collected quarterly starting in 2026.
HB 705 requires health insurance carriers in New Hampshire to publish specific cost data online in digital files, directly affecting insurers and making it easier for consumers to compare prices. The bill mandates three types of publicly accessible files: in-network provider rates (including negotiated prices), out-of-network allowed amounts, and prescription drug pricing (both current negotiated rates and historical average costs). All data must be updated monthly, include plain-language descriptions, and be free to access without login requirements. The law takes effect for plan years beginning January 1, 2026.
SB 256 requires health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to cover clinician-administered drugs (CADs) - outpatient medications that patients cannot safely self-administer and are typically given by healthcare professionals in clinics or hospitals - without requiring prior authorization. It prohibits HMOs from mandating that pharmacies dispense CADs directly to patients for them to transport to a healthcare setting for administration. The bill mandates HMOs to use the lowest-cost reimbursement method for covered CADs and ensures coverage aligns with medical standards of care. This directly affects patients needing CADs (like IV therapies) and HMOs operating in New Hampshire, effective January 1, 2026.
SB 247 allows community pharmacies to decline filling prescriptions when a pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) offers reimbursement below the pharmacy’s actual drug cost, without facing network exclusion. Pharmacies must inform patients to contact their insurer for alternative pharmacy options. The bill also requires pharmacy administrative organizations (PSAOs) to share PBM contracts and payment details with pharmacies within 3 days and prohibits PSAOs from forcing pharmacies to buy drugs from specific suppliers. This applies to independent pharmacies and takes effect January 1, 2026.
HB 208 updates certification rules for school nurses in New Hampshire by requiring 3 years of current experience in acute/chronic pediatric care (replacing broader "related nursing areas" language) and adding leadership skills in professional nursing practice as a competency requirement. It directly affects school nurses seeking or renewing certification in the state. The bill amends RSA 200:29 to tighten clinical experience standards and emphasizes pediatric-focused skills. The Legislative Budget Assistant estimates minimal fiscal impact ($10,000 or less annually through 2028). The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 650 allows New Hampshire alternative treatment centers to use CBD and other nonintoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids (like CBD) in therapeutic products, while requiring these products to undergo contaminant and cannabinoid testing. It specifically prohibits centers from using any hemp-derived products containing natural THC over 0.3% (including delta-8, delta-9, or synthetic THC variants). The bill directly affects licensed alternative treatment centers by expanding permitted ingredients for therapeutic products under strict safety testing rules. It does not change recreational cannabis laws or allow intoxicating THC products. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.
SB 651 would legalize cannabis use for adults 21 and older in New Hampshire, requiring businesses to obtain licenses and follow regulations similar to alcohol, including age verification for purchases, product testing, and labeling. It establishes a new cannabis tax fund, with revenue from sales allocated to support substance abuse prevention, treatment, and education programs through a dedicated fund managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. These programs would cover evidence-based initiatives, mental health services for dual-diagnosis cases, and public education campaigns about cannabis risks for both youth and adults. The bill mandates annual reporting on fund usage and ensures tax revenue directly supports state efforts to address substance misuse.
HB 706 prohibits insurance companies from auditing healthcare providers' services after care is delivered but before payment is issued. This directly affects healthcare providers (like doctors or clinics) and insurers who serve patients in New Hampshire's individual health insurance market. The bill requires insurers to immediately pay providers for audited services, cover 15% annual interest on delayed payments, waive patient copays/coinsurance, and reimburse providers for enforcement costs if they violate the rule. Insurers who conduct prohibited audits also lose their right to later review those specific services. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
This bill requires health insurance providers in New Hampshire to cover glucose monitoring devices and supplies for individuals with Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. It mandates coverage for both traditional blood glucose monitors and continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) without requiring prior authorization, endocrinology referrals, or deductibles. Insurers must cover these devices as part of diabetes treatment, with follow-up care required at least once every 6 months for the first 18 months and then once annually. The bill also caps insulin copayments at $30 for a 30-day supply, applying to both new prescriptions and refills. This affects all health insurance plans providing medical or hospital expense coverage in the state.
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.
