This bill, known as "The Modern Economy Act," mandates that health insurance carriers provide coverage for up to six rounds of intrauterine insemination per plan year, regardless of an infertility diagnosis. It amends RSA 417-G:2, IV to include this provision, while specifying that this coverage does not apply to plans available through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) or to Extended Transition to Affordable Care Act-Compliant Policies. Additionally, the bill amends RSA 354-A:7, VI to expand the definition of "sex" to include pregnancy, medical conditions resulting from pregnancy, fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, or related bereavement time. It also requires employers to allow female employees to take leave for temporary disability due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including appointments for well-being checkups, in-vitro fertilization follow-up, and postpartum care. Upon return, the employee must be reinstated to their original job or a comparable position unless it is impossible or unreasonable due to business necessity.

The fiscal impact of the bill is indeterminable, with potential increases in claims costs for insurance carriers, which may lead to higher premium rates. The Insurance Department estimates an additional annual cost of approximately $144,000 or $0.05 per member per month for the commercial fully insured market. The Department of Administrative Services indicates that the bill would apply to all employers in the state, including the state as an employer, and assumes that employees taking leave for fertility treatment would be on "unpaid leave" status, with indeterminable productivity costs. The New Hampshire Municipal Association and the New Hampshire Association of Counties are unable to determine the exact impact on municipalities and counties, respectively, but note that there may be costs associated with the implementation of this bill. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 417-G:1, 417-G:2, 354-A:7, 275:43
As Amended by the Senate: 417-G:2, 354-A:7, 275:43