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Lawmakers weigh options to fund FastForward wraparound services as DHHS warns of budget strain
Summary
DHHS and advocates told the Senate committee that New Hampshire's FastForward high-fidelity wraparound program is preventing costly institutional care but faces funding strain; insurance carriers and care management entities are negotiating in good faith while the committee considers an assessment model and alternative amendments.
Sen. Regina Burtzel told the Senate Health and Human Services Committee that SB 498 aims to stabilize financing for FastForward, New Hampshire's high-fidelity, team-based wraparound program for children with complex behavioral health needs. The sponsor said the state currently pays roughly $2 million per biennium toward gaps in FastForward coverage and proposed a financing mechanism to preserve the bundled service model.
The Insurance Department read a statement from Commissioner Bettencourt urging collaboration but expressing caution about an assessment on commercial insurers because such costs may flow through to premiums. The statement said, "The current…
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