Concord, NH -Today, HB 1696 became law, reauthorizing the New Hampshire Health Protection Plan for two years.
Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) and House Speaker Shawn Jasper issued the following statements on the passage of HB 1696 into law.
“I am pleased to see HB 1696 become law today because it means 48,000 New Hampshire citizens will continue to receive health care, including access to substance abuse treatment services, while also lowering uncompensated care and keeping a lid on rising health insurance costs in the state,“ said Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley (R- Wolfeboro).
“I am particularly proud and thankful for the legislature’s dedication and hard work on the legislation to reauthorize the New Hampshire Health Protection Plan [NHHPP]. The legislature was committed to seeing both increased protections for New Hampshire taxpayers while providing health care to low-income families and access to critical substance abuse benefits amidst a heroin and opioid crisis affecting communities across our state. We achieved all of these goals and will advocate so that those who are receiving health care under this program are working, volunteering or furthering their education so they can become financially independent,” said Bradley. “Passage of this important legislation continues a unique New Hampshire solution that protects taxpayers, continues to provide private health insurance to low income families for two years and helps transition them to independence by getting them back to work.”
“I made it clear more than year ago that Medicaid Expansion would only be possible if we agreed on a plan that did not use New Hampshire tax dollars. I am proud to say that, by working together with the Senate, we were able to accomplish that goal,” said Speaker Jasper.
“The bill passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Hassan is clearly a New Hampshire solution that not only benefits the people who receive health care, but also businesses, providers and taxpayers, with the reduction in social service costs for the state, counties and municipalities. Medicaid expansion makes good financial sense—alleviating the strain on local welfare offices at a time of dwindling budgets. The savings realized
