On January 22, 2025, the New Hampshire Legislature introduced Senate Bill 132, a significant piece of legislation aimed at expanding health insurance coverage for prosthetic devices. This bill seeks to amend existing laws to require health insurance policies to provide coverage for adult prosthetics, including specialized activity-specific devices, a provision currently only mandated for children.

The primary objective of SB 132 is to address the needs of approximately 8,900 adults in New Hampshire living with limb loss who are covered by commercial, fully insured health insurance plans. The Insurance Department estimates that the implementation of this bill could lead to an increase in claims costs of about $27,000 per beneficiary. With a projected utilization rate of 10% to 30%, the total annual cost for the state could range from $20 million to $60 million, depending on how many individuals take advantage of the expanded coverage.

While the bill has garnered support for its potential to improve the quality of life for many residents, it has also sparked debates regarding its financial implications. The Department of Administrative Services has indicated that the expansion could lead to increased claims costs for the State Employee Health Benefit Plan, estimating an annual increase of $100,000 to $500,000. This raises concerns about the potential for higher health insurance premiums for local and county governments that provide health insurance for their employees, although the exact impact remains indeterminable at this stage.

Opposition to the bill may arise from those wary of the financial burden it could impose on state and local budgets, particularly in light of the indeterminate increases in health insurance premiums. Additionally, there is the possibility of an actuarial review, which could incur further costs between $20,000 and $40,000, adding to the financial considerations lawmakers must weigh.

The implications of SB 132 extend beyond immediate financial concerns; they touch on broader social issues, including access to necessary medical devices for individuals with disabilities. Advocates argue that the bill represents a crucial step toward equitable healthcare access, ensuring that adults with limb loss receive the same level of support currently afforded to children.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the discussions surrounding SB 132, particularly regarding its potential economic impact and the balance between providing essential healthcare coverage and managing state expenditures. The outcome of this bill could set a precedent for future healthcare legislation in New Hampshire, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of health policy and fiscal responsibility.