Supporters urge insurance coverage for Fast Forward wraparound; insurers warn of administrative burden

CONCORD, N.H. — At a Jan. 20 hearing, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee considered Senate Bill 128, which would require a public‑private funding structure so children with private insurance could access the state’s Fast Forward youth and family wraparound program without relying on state general funds.

Senator Regina Birdsall, sponsor of SB 128, said the bill responds to a study committee’s recommendation and aims to braid federal, state and private funds so families with commercial coverage receive the same Fast Forward wraparound services now paid for with state dollars when private insurers do not cover them. “Treating children in their communities results in long term savings to the state and to insurers,” Birdsall said.

Fast Forward is a bundled, family‑driven wraparound program operated by two care management entities in New Hampshire. DHHS staff and the care management entities said roughly 20 percent of Fast Forward…