Committee Summary for Senate Health and Human Services (01/29/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
SB123 00:06:01.039 - 8:05:23 AM	Public Hearing	requiring coverage of ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse under the state Medicaid plan.	Sullivan, Victoria(R)
SB132 00:57:05.200 - 8:56:27 AM	Public Hearing	relative to health insurance coverage for prosthetics.	Gannon, Bill(R)[C+]2024
SB75 01:39:44.159 - 9:39:06 AM	Public Hearing	providing health insurance carriers access to the state immunization registry and making an appropriation therefor.	Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[CT]2024
SB120 02:17:06.679 - 10:16:28 AM	Public Hearing	relative to insurance coverage for biomarker testing.	Innis, Daniel(R)[C+]2024
SB121 02:55:24.359 - 10:54:46 AM	Public Hearing	requiring notice to the insurance department of the discontinuance of certain types of insurance, including Medicare Advantage Plans.	Avard, Kevin(R)[C+]2024

SB123: Senator Victoria Sullivan, representing Senate District 18 (Litchfield and Manchester) Support00:06:01.039 - 8:05:23 AM; Senator Sullivan introduced Senate Bill 123 FN, emphasizing the severe impact of the opioid crisis on Manchester and her personal involvement with a faith-based sober home and a nonprofit staffing agency. She shared her experience learning about ear acupuncture through a colleague and stressed its potential to help individuals in recovery by reducing cravings and addressing associated issues like depression and insomnia. She highlighted the limitations of current medication-assisted treatments (MATs) and their interference with employment, advocating for ear acupuncture as a vital tool for long-term recovery and societal contribution.
SB123: Rob Barry, General Counsel to the Division of Medicaid Information Only00:10:30.519 - 8:09:52 AM; Rob Barry provided information on the current non-coverage of acupuncture by New Hampshire's Medicaid program and a broad fiscal impact estimate of $1 million to $5 million for implementing the bill. He mentioned that the estimate was based on assumptions about uptake rates and visit frequency from other state plans, particularly Massachusetts. He was open to refining the analysis with stakeholders and answered questions about private insurance coverage and the potential protocol for the treatment.
SB123: Elizabeth Robb, Licensed Acupuncturist, Manchester Support00:16:20.240 - 8:15:42 AM; Elizabeth Robb supported Senate Bill 123, highlighting her experience promoting ear acupuncture for substance use disorder since 2016. She discussed the certification for acupuncture detoxification specialists in New Hampshire and the effectiveness of the five-point ear acupuncture protocol used in chemical dependency programs. She shared examples of its successful implementation and stressed the need for regular and frequent treatments, especially in early recovery, to enhance program completion and reduce relapse risks. Robb also provided cost-effectiveness data from a pilot study and expressed readiness to provide further information to the committee.
SB123: Brey Best, Registered Nurse and Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist Support00:25:37.919 - 8:24:59 AM; Brey Best shared her personal experience with ear acupuncture aiding her recovery and its current use in her detox center work. She discussed how the treatment helps with symptom management in detox, reducing reliance on medications, and improving patient outcomes. She noted the lack of employer motivation to train staff due to billing issues and suggested that Medicaid coverage could incentivize wider adoption and improve access, including transportation for patients.
SB123: Jeff Davis, Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist and Master Level Addiction Counselor Support00:31:53.760 - 8:31:15 AM; Jeff Davis recounted his initial exposure to ear acupuncture in the 90s and its immediate calming effect on him. He shared his experience directing an inpatient dual diagnosis unit where patients preferred acupuncture detox protocols over medications. Davis praised the treatment's effectiveness in managing withdrawal symptoms, particularly for dangerous substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines, and its availability at Hope for New Hampshire Recovery. He offered to provide treatments to interested committee members.
SB123: Trina Cates, Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist Support00:35:49.760 - 8:35:11 AM; Trina Cates shared her recent certification as an acupuncture detoxification specialist and her personal experience with ear acupuncture. She described the treatment's calming effect on her and its role in helping her quit smoking. Cates emphasized the potential life-changing impact of ear acupuncture, not only for opioid addiction but also for other addictions like smoking, and encouraged the committee to consider its broader application.
SB123: Daryl Lennon, Archway Recovery Community Organization Support00:39:38.040 - 8:39:00 AM; Daryl Lennon presented a letter from Archway Recovery Community Organization, highlighting the benefits of ear acupuncture for addiction acute detox. He emphasized that this practice is used worldwide for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction of substance use. Lennon shared his personal experience with chronic pain and the effectiveness of ear acupuncture in providing relief and aiding recovery. He noted that the treatment has been beneficial in his coaching sessions at Archway, helping participants relax and communicate more effectively. Lennon supports the bill, advocating for Medicaid coverage of this service to enhance recovery efforts for those in poverty.
SB123: Donlin Wade, Licensed Alcohol Drug Counselor, Lebanon, New Hampshire Support00:43:45.319 - 8:43:07 AM; Donlin Wade, with 50 years of experience in addiction counseling, shared his personal and professional experiences with ear acupuncture. He recounted how he first learned about the practice at the Ruter Advance School of Addiction Study and brought it to New Hampshire. Wade emphasized the success of using acupuncture in his batterers intervention program, noting its calming effect. He detailed the process of getting the practice licensed in New Hampshire and its integration into mainstream healthcare. Wade supports the bill, believing that Medicaid reimbursement could increase the number of licensed practitioners and improve treatment outcomes, particularly in detox and sobriety maintenance.
SB123: Medicaid Representative Information Only00:52:16.160 - 8:51:38 AM; A Medicaid representative discussed the potential implementation of the bill, suggesting that more specific guidance from the legislature could be beneficial. They mentioned the need to work with stakeholders to determine appropriate treatment protocols and highlighted the necessity of a state plan amendment for federal approval. The representative also noted that looking at coverage policies in other states could be helpful.
SB123: Senator Bson Information Only00:54:35.280 - 8:53:57 AM; Senator Bson inquired about the consistency of coverage in other states and whether commercial carriers' policies could be emulated for Medicaid. The Medicaid representative responded that reviewing other states' approaches would be helpful in implementing the new program.
SB132: Senator Bill Ganon, Senate District 23 Support00:57:05.200 - 8:56:27 AM; Senator Bill Ganon introduced Senate Bill 132, advocating for insurance coverage of activity-specific prosthetic devices for individuals over 18. He shared his personal experience with prosthetic limbs and the challenges of obtaining coverage for sports or activity-specific prosthetics. Ganon argued that such devices could improve quality of life and potentially save costs for insurance companies by promoting better health outcomes. He estimated the cost of limbs and suggested that the demand for these devices would be small but impactful for those who need them.
SB132: Jason La, Certified Prosthetist, Next Step Bionics and Prosthetics, Manchester, New Hampshire Support01:03:30.880 - 9:02:52 AM; Jason La, who lost his leg at 18, supported Senate Bill 132 based on his personal experience and professional expertise. He highlighted the limitations of standard prosthetics for activities like swimming, biking, and running, and shared how a running blade transformed his life. La argued that activity-specific prosthetics could prevent health issues and reduce long-term healthcare costs. He noted that veterans and some workers' compensation cases already have access to secondary prosthetics, suggesting a precedent for broader coverage.
SB132: Jason Aiz, Director of Health Economics, New Hampshire Insurance Department Information Only01:13:03.280 - 9:12:25 AM; Jason Aiz provided an economic perspective on Senate Bill 132, noting that the fiscal note estimated a marginal cost of $27,000 per unit. He explained that the bill would apply to the fully insured commercial market and projected a maximal eligible population of 8,900, though actual uptake would likely be much lower. Aiz discussed the potential health benefits of activity-specific prosthetics in preventing conditions like diabetes and emphasized the moral responsibility to support individuals with limb loss.
SB132: Peter Bragon, Senior Policy Adviser, Pry Strategies, Concord, New Hampshire Oppose01:21:24.360 - 9:20:46 AM; Peter Bragon, representing Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, opposed Senate Bill 132, arguing that it would increase insurance premiums by mandating coverage of non-medically necessary prosthetic devices. He estimated that the bill could increase costs by $40 million, leading to higher premiums and potentially reducing insurance coverage or increasing out-of-pocket costs for consumers. Bragon expressed concerns about the cumulative effect of multiple insurance mandates on affordability but was open to working with legislators to find common ground.
SB132: Giovana Shambry, Hover, New Hampshire Support01:30:13.199 - 9:29:35 AM; Giovana Shambry, a resident of Hover, New Hampshire, shared her personal experience with prosthetics due to her congenital condition, amniotic band syndrome. She explained how she has been able to access free prosthetics through Shriners Children's Hospitals in Massachusetts, which has allowed her to participate in various activities such as swimming, skiing, and playing sports. She expressed concerns about future access to prosthetics after turning 19, as she worries about the financial implications and the impact on her lifestyle and activities. Giovana urged the committee to consider the stories of other children in New Hampshire facing similar challenges and to support SB132.
SB132: Sabrina Dunlap, Senior Director of Government Relations, Anthem Oppose01:35:36.480 - 9:34:58 AM; Sabrina Dunlap from Anthem expressed a reluctant opposition to SB132. She highlighted broader policy concerns, including the shift away from medical necessity in managed care, which was also addressed with the kids' prosthetic bill. She pointed out that mandates under state law only apply to the fully insured market, potentially creating imbalances. Dunlap suggested waiting to see the impact of the kids' bill, which recently went into effect, before expanding coverage to adults. She also mentioned the rarity of such legislation in other states and requested a clear effective date if the bill moves forward. Dunlap was open to further discussions on the topic.
SB75: Jennifer Gallagher, Executive Assistant, Senate Minority Office Information Only01:39:44.159 - 9:39:06 AM; Jennifer Gallagher introduced SB75 on behalf of Senator Rosenwald, stating that the bill was requested by Harvard Pilgrim to allow insurance carriers access to the state's immunization registry. She noted that insurers are bound by HIPAA privacy rules and that access to the registry would help carriers meet accreditation standards set by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, particularly in tracking adult immunization rates.
SB75: U Po, representing Mary Mark, Hooksett, and Dan Barton Oppose01:41:26.199 - 9:40:48 AM; Representative U Po expressed opposition to SB75, arguing that it could harm New Hampshire residents. He criticized the Immunization Information System (IIS) for failing to alert the public and decision-makers about high levels of side effects from certain vaccines, citing examples related to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. He also raised privacy concerns, referencing a case where a patient was denied a kidney transplant due to vaccination status. Additionally, Po argued that insurance companies' financial incentives are misaligned with public health due to policies like Obamacare, potentially leading to inappropriate medical treatment decisions. He urged the committee to kill the bill.
SB75: Peter Bragon, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Support01:46:58.440 - 9:46:20 AM; Peter Bragon, representing Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, supports Senate Bill 75. He argues that the bill would allow health insurance carriers to access the state immunization registry, which is crucial for smaller regional health insurers like Harvard Pilgrim. This access would provide accurate immunization data for their enrollees, essential for outreach, quality ratings, and preventing unnecessary immunizations. He emphasizes that this is not related to the COVID vaccine but to other standard vaccinations used in accreditation. He mentions the bill's potential financial implications and assures compliance with HIPAA, stating that the information would not affect premiums but would improve efficiency and data accuracy.
SB75: Laura Condon, Bedford, New Hampshire Oppose01:57:56.400 - 9:57:18 AM; Laura Condon from Bedford opposes Senate Bill 75. As the New Hampshire director of advocacy for the National Vaccine Information Center, she is concerned about the privacy and potential misuse of the vaccination registry. She argues that insurance companies already have necessary information to process claims and do not need additional access to private data. Condon is worried that the bill could lead to denial of coverage or treatment based on vaccination status and sees it as an expansion of government, contrary to the state's values.
SB75: Aubrey Friedman, Bridgewater Oppose02:01:45.719 - 10:01:07 AM; Aubrey Friedman from Bridgewater opposes the bill, viewing it as an anti-privacy measure. He believes it could lead to coercion for vaccine compliance, potentially circumventing laws that prevent medical providers from denying service based on vaccination status. Friedman argues that current systems allow for direct communication from health providers to patients about vaccinations, negating the need for insurance companies to access this information. He also criticizes the Department of Health and Human Services' management, suggesting budget cuts rather than increased funding.
SB75: Nancy Beerman, Member of the New Hampshire Rare Disease Advisory Council Oppose02:04:04.599 - 10:03:26 AM; Nancy Beerman, speaking as a parent of a child with a rare disease, opposes Senate Bill 75. She expresses concerns over insurance companies accessing more personal health data, citing instances where her daughter's treatment was denied due to insurer's lack of understanding of rare diseases. Beerman is also worried about the privacy of her family's health information, especially after experiencing a data breach. She fears that such data could be used to deny treatments based on vaccination status, particularly impacting those with rare diseases.
SB75: Colleen Smith, Bureau Chief of Infectious Disease Control, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only02:08:55.320 - 10:08:17 AM; Colleen Smith from the Department of Health and Human Services provides information on Senate Bill 75. She explains that the bill would allow insurance carriers access to the New Hampshire immunization information system, requiring enhancements to ensure privacy. Smith suggests adding clarifying language to limit information to health plans with New Hampshire members and mentions the appropriation for these enhancements, noting the fiscal note is in route.
SB75: Ann Marie Mercury, Section Chief of the Immunization Section, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only02:09:41.079 - 10:09:03 AM; Ann Marie Mercury from the Department of Health and Human Services discusses the New Hampshire immunization information system's features and the proposed enhancements needed for Senate Bill 75. She explains that the system is HIPAA compliant, opt-in, and used by over 400 providers. Mercury details the need for a third identifier to ensure accurate matching of records, explaining the $100,000 appropriation request to cover the costs of these specific enhancements for New Hampshire.
SB120: Grant Bossy, Deputy Chief of Staff for the New Hampshire Senate Support02:17:06.679 - 10:16:28 AM; Grant Bossy introduces Senate Bill 120 on behalf of Senator Dan Innis. He explains that the bill aims to ensure insurance coverage for biomarker testing, which is crucial for precision medicine, particularly in cancer and Alzheimer's treatments. Bossy highlights that many approved cancer drugs require biomarker testing, and current insurance coverage is a barrier to this testing. The bill would mandate coverage when supported by medical evidence and include it in the State Medicaid plan, aiming to improve treatment outcomes and reduce unnecessary interventions.
SB120: Mike Rolo, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Support02:19:25.879 - 10:18:47 AM; Mike Rolo expressed strong support for Senate Bill 120 on behalf of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and a coalition of 38 other organizations. He highlighted the importance of biomarker testing for improving cancer outcomes through precision medicine. Rolo noted the disparities in access to biomarker testing due to inconsistent insurance coverage and referenced a survey where 66% of oncologists reported issues with access. He emphasized that the bill is tied to medical and scientific evidence, not advocating for universal testing, but aiming to help patients avoid unnecessary treatments, thereby improving quality of life and saving system resources.
SB120: Nancy Carney, Silver Lake, NH Support02:24:02.279 - 10:23:24 AM; Nancy Carney, a cancer survivor from Silver Lake, shared her personal experience with melanoma and the critical role of biomarker testing in her treatment. She explained how the test prevented her from undergoing unnecessary surgeries and how she faced a financial burden when her insurance denied coverage for the test, claiming it was not medically necessary. Carney strongly supported SB120, emphasizing its importance as a matter of life and death for many patients.
SB120: Peter Bragdon, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Oppose02:27:09.000 - 10:26:31 AM; Peter Bragdon, representing Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, opposed Senate Bill 120, describing it as a 'one-size-fits-all' mandate that is too broad and vague. He argued that the bill forces coverage of all biomarker testing without considering medical necessity, which could lead to significant costs. Bragdon suggested that the bill should either be deemed inexpedient to legislate or undergo a mandate review to understand its fiscal impact better. He also mentioned that Harvard Pilgrim does cover many biomarker tests but believes the bill's approach is inappropriate.
SB120: Sabrina Dunlap, Anthem Oppose02:30:59.479 - 10:30:21 AM; Sabrina Dunlap, Senior Director of Government Relations for Anthem, expressed opposition to SB120, echoing concerns about the bill's impact on the medical necessity cornerstone of managed care. She criticized the bill's broad definitions and the lack of clarity around evidence of effectiveness. Dunlap noted that Anthem already covers medically necessary biomarker testing and raised issues with the bill's language on coverage, turnaround times, and effective dates. She emphasized the need for a more tailored approach and was open to further discussions on expanding coverage.
SB120: Paula Rogers, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Information Only02:34:56.880 - 10:34:18 AM; Paula Rogers, representing AHIP, provided information on biomarker testing legislation across states and highlighted the rapid development of such laws in recent years. She discussed the need for more information on why oncologists are facing issues with claim denials and suggested a review of the bill's broad definitions and clinical efficacy. Rogers mentioned a recent mandate study in Massachusetts and emphasized the importance of understanding the outcomes of appeals like Nancy Carney's. She stressed the need for cautious adoption of biomarker testing guidelines by health plans and providers.
SB120: Jenny Horgan, Alzheimer's Association Support02:39:14.040 - 10:38:36 AM; Jenny Horgan, Senior Public Policy Manager for the Alzheimer's Association, supported Senate Bill 120, highlighting the need for better dementia detection and diagnosis through biomarker testing. She noted the significant number of individuals in New Hampshire living with Alzheimer's or dementia and the potential of biomarkers to improve early detection and access to treatments. Horgan emphasized that the bill would provide equitable access to testing and could reduce delays in diagnosis, thereby improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
SB120: Carrie Dennis, Auburn, NH Support02:41:52.080 - 10:41:14 AM; Carrie Dennis, a resident of Auburn, NH, and diagnosed with early-stage younger onset Alzheimer's, shared her challenging journey to diagnosis. She described how her symptoms were initially dismissed and how biomarker testing could have expedited her diagnosis, allowing for better planning and access to effective treatments. Dennis supported SB120, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis for managing the disease and improving quality of life.
SB120: Kathy Harvard, Hanover, NH Support02:45:17.640 - 10:44:39 AM; Kathy Harvard, from Hanover, NH, supported Senate Bill 120, sharing her family's experience with her husband's younger onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. She highlighted the difficulties in early detection and the financial burden of biomarker testing, which could have provided timely diagnosis and treatment. Harvard emphasized the importance of removing financial barriers to biomarker testing to ensure early and accurate diagnosis, better care, and potential treatment for those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementias.
SB120: Rob Barry, Division of Medicaid, General Counsel Information Only02:49:33.279 - 10:48:55 AM; Rob Barry, General Counsel to the Division of Medicaid, provided an update on the fiscal analysis related to Senate Bill 120. He mentioned that due to resource constraints, the analysis was delayed, but a draft was submitted to the Legislative Budget Assistant earlier that week. The estimated cost to the general fund and other state expenditures was between 1 to 2.5 million dollars. He noted that costs could vary significantly based on amendments that further define medical and scientific necessity for tests. Barry also suggested that maintaining biomarker testing on a case-by-case basis through prior authorization could help lower costs.
SB120: David Chy, Deputy Medicaid Director Information Only02:50:20.760 - 10:49:42 AM; David Chy, the Deputy Medicaid Director, explained the current Medicaid coverage for biomarker testing, emphasizing that they cover medically necessary tests approved by the FDA and Medicare coverage determinations. He discussed the importance of clinical utility and value in biomarker tests to ensure they inform patient treatment and care effectively. Chy also highlighted the potential for biomarker testing to inform high-cost gene therapy drugs, suggesting an amendment to include clinical utility and value in the bill to preserve Medicaid's ability to ensure value in the tests covered.
SB121: Regina Burzell, State Senator, District 19 (Derry, Hampstead, Windham) Support02:55:24.359 - 10:54:46 AM; Senator Regina Burzell introduced Senate Bill 121, which requires insurance companies to notify the Insurance Department if they decide to discontinue or significantly reduce a line of business or terminate or modify Medicare Advantage plans in the state. She mentioned that the bill was a request from the Insurance Department.
SB121: DJ Bonor, Insurance Department Support02:56:17.720 - 10:55:39 AM; DJ Bonor from the Insurance Department supported Senate Bill 121, explaining the need for the bill due to recent disruptions in the Medicare Advantage market. He noted that while Medicare Advantage is not regulated by the state, the department still receives many calls from concerned consumers. The bill aims to ensure the department is informed about changes to insurance offerings, helping them better assist consumers. Bonor also addressed potential concerns from the industry about the term 'significantly modifies' and the 120-day notice period, clarifying that these terms align with federal requirements and state statutes.
SB121: Lindsay Netto, Attorney, Orin Rino, Concord Oppose03:07:41.720 - 11:07:03 AM; Lindsay Netto, representing the New Hampshire Association of Domestic Insurance Companies and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, opposed Senate Bill 121 as originally drafted due to conflicts with another bill and concerns over the undefined term 'significantly modifies'. She noted that while they already provide courtesy notices to the department, they are willing to work on amendments to address these issues.
SB121: Paul Rogers, AHIP Information Only03:10:48.439 - 11:10:10 AM; Paul Rogers from AHIP mentioned a concern about the 120-day notice period in Section 3 of Senate Bill 121, suggesting it be reduced to 90 days to align with federal notice requirements for Medicare Advantage plans. He noted this as a minor issue and did not have a strong preference but highlighted potential regulatory discrepancies.

Rochefort, David(Chairman)(R)	Avard, Kevin(V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Birdsell, Regina(R)[C+]2024
Prentiss, Suzanne(D)[F]2024	Long, Pat(D)