Establishing an uncompensated care assessment, fund, and committee within the department of insurance.
Impact
The implementation of SB 136 is expected to create significant fiscal impacts. Initially, the bill proposes an indeterminable increase in revenue and expenditures in the first implementation years, as the assessments collected are meant to fund the compensation for unpaid healthcare services. However, the bill's prohibition against passing on these assessment costs to consumers could challenge the financial sustainability of health insurers operating in New Hampshire, potentially leading to reduced profit margins and their possible exit from the state market, which could worsen the availability of health coverage.
Summary
Senate Bill 136 establishes an Uncompensated Health Care Fund in the state of New Hampshire, aiming to support the state's non-profit safety-net healthcare providers by addressing the costs associated with uncompensated care. The bill requires a surcharge assessment on commercial insurers, reinsurers, and self-insured plans, with the collected funds directed towards eligible providers delivering medically necessary services to uninsured individuals. This initiative seeks to mitigate the financial strain on healthcare providers and ensure access to necessary care for vulnerable populations.
Sentiment
The reception of SB 136 is mixed among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents laud the bill as a necessary response to the burden of uncompensated care on safety-net providers, highlighting the importance of sustaining care for uninsured citizens. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that the legislation may inadvertently discourage commercial insurance coverage and lead to fiscal instability within the healthcare system, predicting that it may lead to retaliatory tax implications or significant administrative costs for the state.
Contention
Key points of contention revolve around the broad definition of 'uncompensated care' as proposed in the bill, its financial implications for health insurers, and whether it might deter the accessibility of affordable healthcare coverage. Critics have voiced apprehension that the costs associated with the assessment could deter health insurers from remaining in the New Hampshire market, ultimately impacting the state's tax revenue and increasing the total amount of uncompensated care due to limited insurance options for consumers.
Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to support recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and relative to the uncompensated care and Medicaid fund.
Relative to establishing an uncompensated health care fund to be administered by the department of insurance and assessed by a surcharge on commercial insurers, reinsurers, and trusts overseeing self-insured plans.
Extending the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program and reestablishing the commission to evaluate the effectiveness and future of the New Hampshire granite advantage health care program.
Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to support recreational activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and relative to the uncompensated care and Medicaid fund.