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 state Medicaid plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by January 1, 2026.

The fiscal impact of the bill is projected to be between $1 million and $5 million annually for state funds, with total expenditures potentially reaching approximately $8.96 million per year if a significant number of Medicaid recipients utilize the benefit. The bill does not allocate specific funding or authorize new positions, and the costs will be shared between federal and state funds. The average cost for a 45-minute acupuncture session is estimated at $93, and the bill allows for up to 20 visits per member per calendar year.