New Hampshire Senate Bill SB407

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/23/21
• Refer: 12/23/21
• Report Pass: 1/26/22
• Report Pass: 2/22/22
• Engrossed: 3/23/22
• Refer: 3/23/22
• Report Pass: 4/13/22
• Report DNP: 4/13/22
• Refer: 4/21/22
• Report Pass: 4/28/22

Caption

Relative to expanding Medicaid to include certain postpartum health care services and making an appropriation therefor and relative to exemptions from vaccine mandates.

Impact

If enacted, SB 407 will directly impact the existing Medicaid statutes by increasing access to essential health services for postpartum women, particularly reducing the risks associated with preventable complications that can arise in the postpartum period, such as mental health issues and complications related to substance use disorders. Furthermore, the bill allocates a budget appropriation of $200,000 for the biennium ending June 30, 2023, primarily intended for supporting the new postpartum health services, with the opportunity for additional federal funds likely from the American Rescue Plan.

Summary

Senate Bill 407, known as the 'Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act of 2022', aims to expand Medicaid to include a comprehensive postpartum health care service for up to 12 months following childbirth. This expansion is framed under the provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act, which allows states to enhance maternity care coverage within their Medicaid programs. The bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) submit a state plan amendment to implement this new coverage, significantly extending the current maternity services that only provide 60 days postpartum coverage.

Contention

The push for SB 407 reflects a growing recognition of the need for adequate maternal health care services especially in disadvantaged populations. However, it might face hurdles regarding budgetary ramifications and the implementation process, as there could be debates over the adequacy of the proposed funding and whether it will be sufficient for the anticipated demand of these extended services. Furthermore, the necessity for the DHHS to provide effective oversight and manageable administrative processes will also be a critical point of consideration as the bill advances through the legislative process.