Healthcare (Mental Health)

HB 1527 requires all New Hampshire state departments to annually send full-time employees a clear summary of available benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance, mental health services, and other support programs. Departments must use a standardized template created by the Department of Administrative Services to ensure consistent communication. Municipalities and counties may choose to adopt this same practice using the template. The bill does not provide new funding but directs existing agency funds to cover printing and mailing costs.

HB 1744 requires health insurance companies operating in New Hampshire to submit annual reports by March 1st starting in 2026, detailing their mental health and substance use disorder coverage practices. These reports must include data on claims denial rates, average wait times for appointments, provider network availability, and compliance with federal parity laws. The insurance commissioner will review these reports and make de-identified data publicly available, while the state Medicaid program must also report annually starting in 2027 on similar metrics. This bill establishes new transparency requirements without authorizing new funding or positions.

SB 450 establishes a 3-year pilot program (2026-2029) allowing community mental health centers registered with the Department of Health and Human Services to receive state park passes for their clients. Participating centers must submit annual anonymized reports on pass usage and program impact, with funding coming from state/federal grants and donations (costing under $10,000 annually). The program directly affects mental health centers and their clients by providing subsidized park access. It expires automatically in 2029 per the bill’s repeal clause.