Healthcare (Medicare)

failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 725: relative to ground ambulance services.

HB 725 prohibits ambulance providers from charging patients extra fees (balance billing) after insurance pays for services. It requires health insurance companies to pay nonparticipating ambulance providers the lesser of three amounts: the local government's set rate, 325% of Medicare's rate for the same service, or the provider's billed charges. This payment is considered full payment, meaning providers cannot bill patients for additional costs beyond standard copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles. The bill applies to ground ambulance services and takes effect January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProhibits balance billing for ambulance services, ensuring insurance covers full payment per set rates and protecting patients from unexpected costs, aligning with patient rights and access indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare

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passed both · New Hampshire · House Jul 10, 2026

HB 1219: relative to immunization requirements in foster family homes and relative to financial eligibility for the Medicare savings program.

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAligns foster home immunization with statewide public health standards, preventing unnecessary restrictions on vaccine access for foster children and parents.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1443: allowing retired state employees to defer earned retirement medical benefits to their surviving spouse.

HB 1443 clarifies that surviving spouses of retired state employees are automatically covered under the same medical benefit plan that the retiree was enrolled in, specifically for Medicare-eligible retirees. The bill amends state law to explicitly state that the state’s payment for retiree medical premiums applies to both the retired employee and their spouse for life. This change ensures surviving spouses qualify for continued coverage without needing separate enrollment, confirming existing policy rather than creating new benefits. The fiscal note states this clarification has no additional cost to the state, as surviving spouses were already eligible under current rules.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnsures automatic, lifelong medical coverage continuation for spouses of Medicare-eligible retirees without separate enrollment, protecting existing benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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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

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicare Primary Care

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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

Sub-Topics Medicare Prescription Drugs Tags Seniors

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signed · New Hampshire · Senate Jun 8, 2026

SB 454: requiring the department of health and human services to update existing relevant public health outreach programs by incorporating information to aid public understanding and awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

SB 454 requires New Hampshire's Department of Health and Human Services to update existing public health outreach programs with specific information about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It directs the department to incorporate content for the public on early signs, early detection benefits, links to other health conditions, and brain-healthy lifestyle tips, while also adding provider-focused materials on cognitive assessments, Medicare wellness visits, and FDA-approved treatments. The bill mandates biennial reports starting in 2027 to track implementation progress. This update applies to current outreach programs without creating new initiatives, with minimal estimated costs under $10,000 annually.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates updating public health outreach with Alzheimer's/dementia education and provider resources, advancing public awareness and early detection access within healthcare services.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare Public Health