House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs [Source] Translate

During the meeting of the House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs, Representative Laura Talerski introduced House Bill 1760 FNA, the Protecting Access to Affordable Health Care for Working Families Act, which seeks to repeal a directive in the state budget that would establish pharmacy copays and Medicaid premiums. Talerski argued that such premiums could create barriers for low-income Medicaid recipients in accessing necessary medications and healthcare, emphasizing that preventive care is more cost-effective than treating advanced illnesses. She noted that the recent federal law, H.R.1, prohibits Medicaid premiums and requires cost-sharing through copays, raising concerns about the inefficiency of implementing premiums temporarily. Representative Jerry Stringham highlighted the negative impact of premiums on working families, warning that slight income increases could lead to loss of Medicaid coverage and federal funding, particularly affecting rural healthcare providers. Former state representative Melbourne Moran, Jr. expressed concerns about the financial burden on small providers who would absorb costs when patients cannot pay. State Medicaid Director Henry Lipman provided information on federal cost-sharing requirements, explaining that the state budget included provisions for premiums to manage Medicaid costs without reducing eligibility or services. The meeting also discussed the implications of the OB-3 bill on Medicaid funding, with estimates suggesting a potential $23 million shortfall. Concerns were raised about the impact of increased premiums on vulnerable populations, including children and low-income families. Greg White from Lamprey Healthcare emphasized the financial barriers that premiums would create for patients, potentially leading to increased uncompensated care for providers. The discussion transitioned to House Bill 1794-FN, also introduced by Talerski, which aims to prepare for uncertainties in Medicaid policy and funding. The bill seeks to analyze potential federal changes and their implications for New Hampshire's healthcare system. Questions from committee members focused on the need for comprehensive reporting from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on these issues. Lipman supported the bill's concept but noted the need for funding to conduct necessary studies. The meeting underscored the urgent need for careful consideration of proposed cost-sharing measures and strategic planning to ensure the viability of New Hampshire's healthcare system amidst changing federal policies. Participants discussed the long-term viability of healthcare in rural areas, emphasizing staffing, technology, and financial models for service delivery, as well as the importance of addressing transportation issues for the elderly. Concerns were raised about the impacts of Medicaid changes on individuals with substance use disorders, with speakers highlighting the critical role of Medicaid in providing access to treatment. The need for comprehensive data to understand the impacts of healthcare changes on various communities was emphasized, along with the importance of continuity of care for individuals in recovery. The meeting also included discussions on House Bill 1070-FN, which proposes that ambulance transport become the default option for individuals in protective custody due to mental health crises. Representative Dennis Mannion explained that this change would promote safer crisis interventions. However, Sheriff Bill Wright opposed the bill, arguing that law enforcement is better equipped to handle involuntary transports. Further discussions included House Bill 1249, which aims to allow pharmacists to dispense certain medical devices without requiring separate prescriptions, and House Bill 1335, which seeks to require healthcare providers to disclose financial incentives that could bias treatment recommendations. The meeting concluded with a motion to recommend ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) on several bills, emphasizing the need for further study and consideration of the implications of proposed legislation.