New Hampshire Senate Bill SB497

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/13/23
• Refer: 12/13/23
• Report Pass: 1/31/24
• Engrossed: 3/2/24
• Refer: 3/2/24
• Report Pass: 3/29/24
• Enrolled: 7/15/24
• Chaptered: 7/30/24
• Passed: 7/30/24

Caption

Relative to establishing the disproportionate share hospital fund.

Impact

The establishment of the disproportionate share hospital fund is designed to facilitate the proper redistribution of DSH funds to eligible hospitals following federally required examinations. By creating a nonlapsing fund that is continually appropriated, SB497 will allow for a streamlined process in managing the payments owed to hospitals, effectively keeping them financially stable. The financial implications suggest that the bill is cost-neutral as it only redistributes funds rather than generating additional revenue or expenditures for the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 497, known as the act relative to establishing the disproportionate share hospital fund, aims to create a dedicated financial mechanism within the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. This fund will specifically handle the distribution of funds associated with hospitals participating in the federally mandated disproportionate share hospital (DSH) program. The DSH program serves to provide financial assistance to hospitals that treat a large number of uninsured or underinsured patients, ensuring they remain financially viable while fulfilling their community health responsibilities.

Contention

While the bill is primarily technical and administrative in nature, its passage could potentially raise discussions about equity in healthcare financing. Some stakeholders may argue that while it helps hospitals maintain fiscal stability, it does not address broader systemic issues related to the adequacy of Medicaid funding or the need for comprehensive reforms in healthcare policy. Critics may assert that focusing solely on the DSH program overlooks other essential areas in need of funding and regulation enhancements.