New Hampshire House Bill HB69

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/23/22
• Refer: 12/23/22

Caption

Relative to direct payment and membership-based health care facilities.

Impact

If enacted, HB 69 would significantly alter the regulatory landscape for healthcare facilities in New Hampshire. By exempting specific facilities from retaining policies that guarantee access to all patients, the bill may lead to a shift in how healthcare services are delivered. This may foster the growth of membership-based healthcare models, which could appeal to consumers seeking more control over their healthcare choices and potentially lower costs for services rendered without third-party payments.

Summary

House Bill 69 seeks to amend the licensing requirements for certain healthcare facilities that operate under membership-based or direct payment models. The bill stipulates that these facilities would be exempt from the existing requirement to adopt a policy ensuring service availability to all individuals regardless of their payment source. This exemption is seen as a way to encourage more flexible healthcare options that may cater to a segment of the population preferring direct payment arrangements over insurance-based coverage.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 69 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the bill promotes innovation within healthcare by enabling alternative service delivery methods and increasing patient choice. Conversely, detractors express concern that it could create barriers to access for patients who rely on third-party payment systems, fearing that this could foster inequality in healthcare access among different socioeconomic groups. The debate highlights differing perspectives on patient rights and the role of regulatory frameworks in ensuring equitable health service availability.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 69 include fears from healthcare advocates that allowing facilities to circumvent the requirement for a universal service policy may lead to the exclusion of vulnerable patients who are unable to pay directly for medical services. Furthermore, the bill raises questions about the potential long-term impact on overall healthcare accessibility in New Hampshire, given that it could encourage facilities to prioritize profit through direct payment mechanisms over comprehensive patient care.