HB 1798 requires New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal waiver by November 1, 2026, to add diaper coverage under Medicaid for infants' first year of life. The bill directly affects Medicaid-eligible infants (approximately 4,000 annually) and their families, providing coverage for 100 diapers per month during the child's first 12 months. It appropriates $100,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to fund the program, with federal matching funds expected to cover most costs. Implementation depends on federal CMS approval, with a target start date of May 1, 2027, if approved.
SB 520 allows physicians to perform breast surgery on minors for non-medical reasons, expanding existing exceptions. It adds a new provision permitting the procedure "at the election of the minor in consultation with her primary care physician," removing prior restrictions that limited surgery to medical conditions like gynecomastia or congenital deformities. The bill directly affects minors seeking breast reduction or reconstruction surgery who do not qualify under existing medical necessity exceptions. It requires the minor’s consent and physician consultation but does not mandate parental consent. The change modifies New Hampshire law to include this patient-choice option for breast surgeries.
HB 1219 prevents foster family homes from imposing immunization requirements on children or foster parents that are stricter than those in RSA 141-C:20-a. Specifically, it prohibits requirements exceeding the standard for vaccine type, number of doses, or exemption policies already established for the general population. This bill directly affects foster children and foster parents by aligning their immunization standards with statewide requirements. The law amends RSA 170-E:27-b to ensure foster homes cannot mandate additional or more stringent vaccinations than what is required for children in public schools or the general community.
SB 408 requires health insurance policies in New Hampshire to cover prosthetic devices for adults over 19, expanding existing coverage that previously applied only to children under 19. The bill mandates coverage for activity-specific prosthetics (like those for sports) but limits this to one device every five years. It also requires insurers to cover necessary materials, instruction, and repairs for medically needed prosthetics, without annual limits. The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and applies to most group health insurance plans, excluding Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) plans.
HB 1356 extends the statute of limitations for minors to sue providers for violating laws prohibiting gender-altering medical procedures. It changes the deadline from 2 years to 10 years after a minor turns 18 to file a private lawsuit. This directly affects minors who received such medical treatments before age 18 and wish to pursue legal action. The bill modifies RSA 332-N:3, II, which governs when claims for violations of the gender-procedure ban must be filed. The fiscal note indicates no state or local cost impact.
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.
SB 134 requires New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to resubmit a federal waiver application to CMS by July 1, 2025, seeking approval to enforce work requirements as a condition of Medicaid eligibility under the Granite Advantage program. The bill also mandates annual reports to the legislature starting November 1, 2025, detailing the waiver status and implementation progress. This bill does not change current Medicaid rules, as work requirements are not currently in effect; it only sets a process for the state to seek federal approval to potentially implement such requirements. The bill has no immediate cost but may lead to future expenses if the waiver is approved and implemented.
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.
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.
HB 1596 raises New Hampshire's cigarette and little cigar tax from $1.78 to $2.80 per pack of 20, increasing revenue for state funds. It appropriates $18 million annually to New Hampshire's university system to restore higher education funding to 2024 levels. The bill also stops collecting premiums for two health programs: the Children's Health Insurance Program and the NH Granite Advantage health care program. These changes take effect July 1, 2026, with tobacco tax revenue funding the university appropriation and education trust fund.
