Concord, NH – Today, the House of Representatives’ Health, Human Service and elderly Affairs committee voted 17-1 to approve HB 1696, reauthorizing the New Hampshire Health Protection Plan, with an amendment.
Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley issued a statement upon passage from the committee.
“I commend the House Health, Human Services and elderly Affairs committee’s support and the sponsor of the bill, Representative Joe Lachance for his hard work which brings us one step closer to reforming and reauthorizing the New Hampshire Health Protection Plan. The plan we’ve developed will continue to serve the 47,000 New Hampshire citizens receiving benefits, with protections in place restricting the use of general funds and preventing new or increased taxes to fund reauthorization,” said Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro).
“This bill also includes work requirements, and a strong agreement by both New Hampshire Hospitals and Insurers who will voluntarily fund a portion of the program that is no longer paid for by the federal government. To make sure taxpayers are protected we’ve also included provisions in the bill to end the program immediately if hospitals, insurers or the federal government backs off of their financial commitment to New Hampshire.”
“The NHHPP has benefitted the state by reducing the cost of uncompensated care by nearly $150 million, which is a hidden tax paid for by increases is private and employer-paid insurance premiums. I’m grateful for the strong support shown by numerous interest groups and business leaders for this plan which will be a break in the rise of health care costs for everyone in the state.”
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