New Hampshire Senate Bill SB430

New Hampshire 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/30/21
• Refer: 12/30/21
• Report Pass: 2/10/22
• Report Pass: 3/29/22
• Engrossed: 4/1/22
• Refer: 4/1/22
• Report Pass: 4/14/22
• Refer: 4/21/22
• Report Pass: 4/28/22

Caption

Relative to health and human services.

Impact

Furthermore, SB430 includes critical revisions to the state's Medicaid plan, expanding coverage to include preventive health care benefits and eliminating premiums for certain Medicaid groups. These changes are recognized as significant steps toward improving healthcare access for disadvantaged populations, particularly those with disabilities. Moreover, the bill modifies provisions concerning the recovery of overpayments by state agencies, clarifying circumstances under which these overpayments may be reclaimed, which is expected to enhance the efficiency of public assistance programs.

Summary

Senate Bill 430, known as SB430, addresses various provisions related to health and human services in the state. The bill establishes a special fund to support opioid treatment programs, recognizing the need for dedicated resources in the ongoing fight against substance abuse. Additionally, SB430 sets forth a pilot program aimed at assisting young individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive necessary services that may not be provided by existing educational or state agencies. This program is expected to operate with an appropriation of $2.8 million from the general fund.

Contention

Overall, SB430 is designed to bolster support for vulnerable populations while navigating the complexities of healthcare regulation. Notably, the establishment of guidelines for kinship care homes seeks to expand placement options for children in the foster care system, although it may raise discussions regarding family rights versus state intervention. The bill's approach to telemedicine also reflects a shift in healthcare delivery methods, aiming to accommodate licensed out-of-state physicians, which may foster greater collaboration but could also prompt scrutiny regarding oversight and quality assurance in non-local care contexts.