This bill mandates the inclusion of ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse in 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 detox and treatment for opioid addiction and other substance misuse. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with submitting any necessary amendments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by January 1, 2026, to facilitate this coverage.

The fiscal impact of the bill is projected to be significant, with estimated expenditures ranging from $1 million to $5 million annually. The Department of Health and Human Services anticipates that approximately 4,817 Medicaid recipients with substance use disorder may utilize the benefit, leading to total expenditures of around $8.96 million per year based on the cost of acupuncture visits. The funding for these services would be derived from a combination of federal and state funds, with the overall impact on state funds estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million per year. The bill does not provide additional funding or authorize new positions.