This bill, titled "The Lowering the Cost of Health Care Act of 2026," aims to repeal premium requirements for the New Hampshire Granite Advantage Health Care Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, it deletes RSA 126-AA:2-a and RSA 126-A:3, IX, which pertain to these premium requirements. In addition, the bill allows the Department of Health and Human Services to establish cost-sharing for expanded Medicaid services, capping the maximum cost-sharing amount at $5 per service, effective October 1, 2028.

To address the anticipated revenue shortfall resulting from the repeal of these premiums, the bill includes an appropriation of $16 million for the fiscal year 2027 to the Department of Health and Human Services. This funding is necessary to compensate for the loss of revenue that was expected from the premiums, which were projected to generate $16 million annually. The bill also notes that while the Granite Advantage trust fund cannot accept state general funds, any shortfall will be covered through an automatic transfer of Liquor funds. Overall, the bill seeks to reduce healthcare costs for individuals while ensuring that the state can manage the financial implications of these changes.