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, RSA 167:3-n, which states that medical assistance under the Medicaid plan shall cover ear acupuncture, particularly during detox and throughout 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 result in expenditures between $1 million and $5 million annually, based on an estimated average cost of $93 per acupuncture visit and a potential utilization by approximately 4,817 Medicaid recipients diagnosed with substance use disorder. The funding for these services would be derived from a combination of federal and state funds, with the Department of Health and Human Services noting that the overall financial implications are speculative. The bill does not authorize new funding or positions and is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.