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Committee considers expanding short‑term health plans to bridge coverage gaps
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Summary
Sponsors described an amendment to SB607 to allow initial short‑term plan terms up to 12 months with limited renewals totaling 24 months and stronger disclosure requirements; insurance and health advocates warned about consumer protections and called for federal alignment.
Grant Bossier, appearing for Sen. Jan Innis, told the committee that SB607 would modernize New Hampshire rules for short‑term limited‑duration health plans, which were last updated in 1995. Under the amendment introduced, an initial short‑term plan could last up to 12 months with limited renewability for a total of up to 24 months, coupled with disclosure language to clarify limits and tradeoffs.
"People need affordable options, including short term plans," Bossier said, citing roughly 64,000 uninsured in New Hampshire in 2024 and recent premium increases that make gaps more likely.
The American Heart Association urged caution. Nancy Vaughn said the association favors clear statutory limits tied to federal protections and recommended limiting initial terms to shorter federal norms to avoid consumers mistakenly choosing inadequate coverage. John Reynolds of the National Federation of Independent Business supported the proposed amendment, saying small‑business members and individuals need bridge coverage and that required disclosures help protect consumers.
Committee action: Members discussed timing and language; the committee moved the amendment and later passed the bill as amended by voice/consent during executive session.
