The bill establishes the New Hampshire Children's Behavioral Health Association, a nonprofit organization tasked with assessing costs related to childhood behavioral health services for individuals aged 18 and younger. It amends RSA 135-F by inserting definitions for terms such as "assessable coverage," "assessable entity," and "childhood behavioral health services," while outlining the types of services covered, including intensive in-home services and care coordination. The association will consist of various assessable entities and will have a board of directors that includes representatives from these entities, healthcare providers, and state officials. The bill also specifies the association's powers and duties, including the preparation of articles of association, establishment of annual assessments, and the ability to enter contracts for operational administration.

Additionally, the bill introduces a Childhood Behavioral Health Services Fund, funded through assessments from assessable entities, and mandates annual reports to the commissioner of insurance detailing the association's activities. It amends RSA 417-E:1, V-a to require health insurers to submit comparative analyses of medical/surgical benefits and mental health benefits for consumers aged 0-5 and 18 years and younger, aiming to identify barriers to care. The bill also includes provisions for tax exemptions for the association and immunity from liability for its members and employees. The fiscal impact is indeterminable, with projections suggesting potential increases in state revenues and expenditures exceeding $2.5 million annually, although no new funding or positions are authorized. The act will take effect 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 417-E:1