NH
New Hampshire Senate Bill SB497

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB497

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  

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH HB528

Relative to school lunches and establishing the meals for students fund.

NH HB598

Relative to funding maternal mortality reviews.

NH HB185

Relative to the determination of parental rights and responsibilities based on shared parenting and shared access to the child's records.

NH SB202

Relative to establishing a homeownership innovations fund in the New Hampshire housing finance authority.

NH HB276

Establishing the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund.

NH SB1

Relative to the closing of the Sununu youth services center, making appropriations thereof, and establishing a commission to study community impacts of the secured youth development center.

NH HB611

Relative to eligibility criteria for the therapeutic cannabis program and establishing a commission to study state-controlled sales of cannabis and relative to the prohibition on the sale of hemp products containing certain levels of THC.

NH SB140

Relative to establishing a program for the recruitment of educators.

NH HB534

Relative to water assistance for natural disasters.

NH SB36

Relative to systems of care for healthy aging.

Similar Bills

TX HB1237

Relating to adverse disproportionalities within the child protective services system.

CA AB2439

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CA AB1099

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IL HB3060

COMMISSION TO END GUN VIOLENCE

MN SF716

Minnesota African American Family Preservation Act

CA SB507

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MN HF912

Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act established, child welfare provisions modified, African American Child Well-Being Advisory Council established, reports required, and money appropriated.

NH HB1593

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.