This bill amends current health insurance laws to require coverage for prosthetic devices for individuals over 19 years of age, in addition to the existing requirement for children under 19. Specifically, it modifies RSA 415:18-ff by deleting the previous limitation of coverage to children and inserting provisions that mandate insurers to provide coverage for both children and adults. The bill allows insurers to limit coverage for activity-specific prosthetic devices to one device every five years for adults, while medically necessary prosthetic devices will not be subject to annual limits. The bill also clarifies the definition of prosthetics and activity-specific prosthetic devices, ensuring comprehensive coverage for necessary materials, instruction, and repairs.

The bill is expected to have a fiscal impact, with the Insurance Department estimating an increase in claims costs related to prosthetic devices, potentially affecting around 8,900 adults in New Hampshire who may benefit from this expanded coverage. The anticipated annualized fiscal impact could range from $4 to $12 million, depending on the uptake of the benefit. Additionally, local and county governments that provide health insurance for their employees may also see increased premiums due to the expanded coverage, although the exact financial implications remain indeterminable at this time. The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 415:18-ff, 415:18-n
As Amended by the Senate: 415:18-ff, 415:18-n