New Hampshire House Bill HB1236

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/1/23
• Refer: 12/1/23
• Report Pass: 3/20/24
• Engrossed: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/2/24
• Report Pass: 5/16/24
• Enrolled: 6/18/24
• Chaptered: 6/27/24
• Passed: 6/27/24

Caption

Establishing a pilot recruitment and retention program within the department of health and human services and relative to the income eligibility for "in and out medical assistance" under the state Medicaid plan.

Impact

The bill also amends the income eligibility criteria for 'in and out medical assistance' under the state's Medicaid plan. Starting from January 1, 2025, it proposes a 3.2 percent increase in the income eligibility limit, with subsequent annual adjustments tied to federal cost-of-living adjustments. This change is seen as a means to expand access to Medicaid services for more residents, which could have significant budget implications for the state, as it also involves an appropriation of $671,298 for implementing the bill's provisions.

Summary

House Bill 1236 is an act aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of employees within the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The bill establishes a pilot program that outlines various initiatives intended to address staffing shortages, particularly in facilities that provide critical services such as the Hampstead Hospital Residential Treatment Facility (HHRTF). The initiative seeks to enhance the quality of care by ensuring that DBHS has a stable and adequately trained workforce amidst challenges like fluctuating populations and dependence on contracted employees.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step to maintain essential services and attract staff, critics might raise concerns regarding the bill's funding implications and the sustainability of the proposed incentives. Some might also argue that the bill could contribute to an ongoing reliance on state resources to manage staffing shortages rather than addressing the root causes of these issues. Discussions around this bill have revealed divisions between those prioritizing immediate staffing solutions versus those advocating for broader systemic changes in workforce management within healthcare services.