This bill mandates the inclusion of ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse within the state Medicaid plan. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 167:3-n, to RSA 167, which states that medical assistance under the Medicaid plan shall cover ear acupuncture for individuals undergoing detoxification and treatment for opioid addiction and other substance misuse issues. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with submitting any necessary amendments to the state Medicaid plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that it will take effect 60 days after its passage. However, the fiscal impact of this legislation is currently undetermined, as the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is awaiting further information from the Department of Health and Human Services to complete a fiscal note.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 202-A:15
As Amended by the House: 202-A:15
As Amended by the Senate: 202-A:15
Version adopted by both bodies: 202-A:15
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 202-A:15