New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB131

Introduced
1/19/23  
Refer
1/19/23  
Refer
3/8/23  
Refer
3/16/23  

Caption

Relative to health care provider contract standards.

Impact

The implications of SB131 on state laws are significant, as it will restrict health carriers from using provider manuals to make material changes to contracts. This could impact negotiations between health care providers and insurers, potentially affecting the availability and pricing of health services. By limiting changes to administrative functions, the bill aims to increase transparency and stability in health care agreements. However, the Insurance Department cautions that the bill might inadvertently pressure health care costs upward, as it could limit insurers' ability to seek cost-effective service options, leading to higher premiums for consumers and entities covered under various health plans.

Summary

Senate Bill 131 (SB131) pertains to the standards for health care provider contracts, particularly within managed care environments. The bill emphasizes that health care provider manuals should solely serve as administrative tools and must not contain or alter key terms of provider contracts or health benefit plans. This move aims to protect consumer health care coverage and clinical care provisions by ensuring that contracts remain clearly defined and unchanged by administrative guidelines. SB131 seeks to formally clarify the intended use of provider manuals, thus reducing ambiguity that may lead to conflicts between health carriers and providers.

Conclusion

Ultimately, SB131 represents an effort to enhance the clarity and fairness of health care provider contracts while recognizing the essential roles of administration and marketing within managed care. As the bill progresses, careful monitoring of its effects on health care costs and operational procedures will be essential to ensure it meets its intended goals without leading to unintended consequences.

Contention

There are notable concerns regarding the effectiveness of SB131. Proponents argue that it will uphold consumer rights by preventing health carriers from making unilateral changes that could negatively affect patients' coverage. Conversely, critics highlight that the bill may inadvertently lead to higher costs. There is fear that restricting health carriers' flexibility in negotiating contracts could push prices up overall, as insurers may no longer have the leverage to adopt more affordable health service options. Furthermore, the requirement for the Insurance Commissioner to handle disputes adds another layer of administrative responsibility that raises questions about the feasibility of managing increased workloads without additional funding.

Companion Bills

NH SB131

Carry Over Relative to health care provider contract standards.

Previously Filed As

NH SB131

Relative to health care provider contract standards.

NH SB235

Relative to services provided through a primary care behavioral health model.

NH SB72

Relative to provider credentialing procedures.

NH SB36

Relative to systems of care for healthy aging.

NH SB123

Relative to the adoption of ambient groundwater quality standards by the department of environmental services.

NH HB233

Relative to useful thermal energy under the renewable portfolio standards.

NH SB151

Relative to mental health education.

NH HB368

Relative to protections related to receiving gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care.

NH HB414

Relative to health insurance coverage for preventative PFAS care.

NH HB373

Relative to billing for ambulance services.

Similar Bills

NH SB131

Relative to health care provider contract standards.

NH HB1360

Relative to penalties for controlled drug violations.

NH HB185

Relative to reimbursement rates for ambulance service providers.

NH HB347

Relative to driving with a suspended license.

NH HB1673

Relative to certain provisions of the fetal life protection act requiring an ultrasound examination.

NH SB399

Relative to certain provisions of the fetal life protection act requiring an ultrasound examination.

NH HB473

Relative to penalties for controlled drug violations.

NH HB373

Relative to billing for ambulance services.