Committee Report REGULAR CALENDAR
February 22, 2018
The Majority of the Committee on Commerce and
Consumer Affairs to which was referred HB 1241,
AN ACT establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New
Hampshire. Having considered the same, report the same with the following resolution: RESOLVED, that it is INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.
Rep. Barbara Biggie
FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMITTEE
Original: House Clerk Cc: Committee Bill File MAJORITY COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs Bill Number: HB 1241 Title: establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire. Date: February 22, 2018 Consent Calendar: REGULAR Recommendation: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE
STATEMENT OF INTENT
This bill would create a commission that brings together over a dozen people representing everyone who would be interested in the state providing health coverage for everyone. The goal is to make health decisions for all NH residents by assessing benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program. The majority of the committee noted that Vermont abandoned a similar plan because it would have required a 11% increase in the state's income tax and felt that NH is not ready for an income tax, especially a tax solely designed to fund health insurance for all.
Vote 11-8.
Rep. Barbara Biggie FOR THE MAJORITY
Original: House Clerk Cc: Committee Bill File REGULAR CALENDAR
Commerce and Consumer Affairs HB 1241, establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire. MAJORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. MINORITY: OUGHT TO PASS. Rep. Barbara Biggie for the Majority of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. This bill would create a commission that brings together over a dozen people representing everyone who would be interested in the state providing health coverage for everyone. The goal is to make health decisions for all NH residents by assessing benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program. The majority of the committee noted that Vermont abandoned a similar plan because it would have required a 11% increase in the state's income tax and felt that NH is not ready for an income tax, especially a tax solely designed to fund health insurance for all. Vote 11-8.
Original: House Clerk Cc: Committee Bill File Stapler, Carol
From: John B Hunt
1 Blurb for HE 1241 IT 1-31-2018 Executive Session Rep. Barbara Biggie
This bill would create a commission that brings together over a dozen people representing everyone who would be interest in the state proving health coverage for everyone. The goal is to make health decisions for all NH residents by assessing benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program. The majority of the committee felt that since Vermont abandon their plan because it would have required a 11% increase in the state's income tax, that NH is not ready for an income tax let alone one solely for Health Insurance for all.
BLURB for FIB 1252 FN 1-31-18 Executive Session Rep. Barbar Biggie
This bill allows an ins ranee agent to provide any bank or le ding institution with a copy of certificate of insurance, policy of insurance or insurance bi der and supplemental questionnaires with the permission of the property owner. The NH Insurance department supports this bill. The committee unanimously agreed to pass this bill.
Blurb for HB 1308-FN 1-31- 018 Executive Session Rep. Barbara Biggie
If an insurance company prov ing fire or casualty business deciding not to renew their entire line of business in New Hampshire, 't will be required to provide its insurance agents with 120 days notice, instead of the current 45 ays. Because some types of policies are harder to replace, this bill as amended in 2018-0395h will p ovide insurance agents more time to help their customers find appropriate replacements policies.
Blurb for HB 1360 ITL 1-31-2018 Ex cutive Session Rep. Barbara Biggie
An insurance company uses many facto in developing premiums for private passenger automobile or homeowner insurance. W en deciding the premium for an individual, a person's credit rating is incorporated into the company's formula to determine the premium. The Insurance Department stated that there's a direct correlation between a person's credit score and claims activity. A lower score may show a person's i responsibility on timely bill payments. If a person has experience a loss of jo o, death in family or other life event which could affect the ability to pay bills, the Insurance department does have a rule thatallows an Insurance company to take these life events into consi ration. Current law allows insurers the use of credit rating, history or scoring if it is not the sol eason for higher premiums and they can document the correlation between credit scoring and gher claims. Therefore, the majority of the committee agreed the current law is reasonable since it may result in lower premiums if you have a high credit score.
ti Blurb for 1-113 1535 ITL 1-31-2018 Executive Session Rep. Barbara Biggie
This bill would increase monetary penalties on a person\ found to have violated insurance trade practices from the current $2,500 to $10,000. Under cur ent law, after an Insurance Department hearing, the commissioner may suspend, revoke or refus to renew a license. Or, the commissioner REGULAR CALENDAR
February 22, 2018
The Minority of the Committee on Commerce and
Consumer Affairs to which was referred HB 1241,
AN ACT establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New
Hampshire. Having considered the same, and being unable to agree with the Majority, report with the recommendation that the bill OUGHT TO PASS.
Rep. Edward Butler
FOR THE MINORITY OF THE COMMITTEE
Original: House Clerk Cc: Committee Bill File
MINORITY COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs Bill Number: HB 1241 Title: establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire. Date: February 22, 2018 Consent Calendar: REGULAR Recommendation: OUGHT TO PASS
STATEMENT OF INTENT
Though the minority understands that we may not be ready, yet, to embark on a one-state single- payer health care solution, it believes that it is high time that 'we listen to the professionals and advocates who note that our health care system is biased towards those who have the means to afford costly deductibles and insurance policies. Ours is a system that performs poorly in comparison to those in all of the major industrialized nations, all of which offer universal health care. This is true in terms of infant mortality, maternal health and life expectancy among other indicators. The minority believes that we should further study this issue and. work within the health care industry to begin to transform our system to one which provides good, quality, affordable health care for all.
Rep. Edward Butler FOR THE MINORITY
Original: House Clerk Cc: Committee Bill File REGULAR CALENDAR
Commerce and Consumer Affairs HB 1241, establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire. OUGHT TO PASS. Rep. Edward Butler for the Minority of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Though the minority understands that we may not be ready, yet, to embark on a one-state single-payer health care solution, it believes that it is high time that we listen to the professionals and advocates who note that our health care system is biased towards those who have the means to afford costly deductibles and insurance policies. Ours is a system that performs poorly in comparison to those in all of the major industrialized nations, all of which offer universal health care. This is true in terms of infant mortality, maternal health and life expectancy among other indicators. The minority believes that we should further study this issue and work within the health care industry to begin to transform our system to one which provides good, quality, affordable health care for all.
Original: House Clerk Cc: Committee Bill File Stapler, Carol
From: John B Hunt
Ok, JBH
On Feb 13, 2018, at 4:13 PM, Ed Butler
Canljust use the same one as 1749?
Ed <1241 blurb.docx> 1241— OTP
Though the Minority understands that we may not be ready, yet, to embark on a one-state single-payer healthcare solution, it believes that it is high time that we listen to the professionals & advocates who note that our healthcare system is biased towards those who have the means to afford costly deductibles & insurance policies. Ours is a system that performs poorly against all of the major industrialized nations, all of which offer universal healthcare, in terms of infant mortality, maternal health and life expectancy among other indicators. The Minority believes that we should further study this issue and work within the healthcare industry to begin to transform our system to one which provides good, quality, affordable healthcare for all. Voting Sheets
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
EXECUTIVE SESSION on HB 1241
BILL TITLE: establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for a]1" program for New Hampshire.
DATE: January 31, 2018
LOB ROOM: 302
MOTIONS: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE
Moved by Rep. Biggie Seconded by Rep. Sanborn Vote: 11-8
CONSENT CALENDAR: NO
Statement of Intent: Refer to Committee Report
Respectfully submitted,
Rep Valerie Fraser, Clerk
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
EXECUTIVE SESSION on HE 1241
BILL TITLE: establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire.
DATE: 11.4.1.170 31 LOB ROOM: 302
MOTION: (Please check pare-box)
O OTP J ITL O Retain (Is' year) 0 Adoption of Amendment # O Interim Study (2nd year) (if offered) Moved by Rep. Seconded by Rep. - ,AA•GbOrif\ Vote:
MOTION: (Please check one box)
O OTP ❑ OTP/A 0 ITL 0 Retain (181 year) O Adoption of Amendment # O Interim Study (2nd year) (if offered)
Moved by Rep. Seconded by Rep. Vote:
MOTION: (Please check one box)
O OTP 0 OTP/A ❑ ITL 0 Retain (1" year) O Adoption of Amendment # O Interim Study (2nd year) (if offered)
Moved by Rep. Seconded by Rep. Vote:
MOTION: (Please check one box)
O OTP 0 OTPIA ❑ ITL 0 Retain (ls' year) O Adoption of Amendment # O Interim Study (2nd year) (if offered)
Moved by Rep. Seconded by Rep. Vote:
CONSENT CALENDAR: YES NO
Minority Report? Yes No If yes, author, Rep: Motion tie; lUi allik5 R' LI) kflee,4•E.,
Respectfully submitted: Rep Valerie Fraser, Clerk STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE 1/5/2018 10:27:29 AM OFFICE OF THE HOUSE CLERK Roll Call Committee Registers Report 2018 SESSION
COMMERCE
Bill #: Title: ,a Avolthaii69--A ciiloaade der-)a ir)gz,_% „ !C/ gepte- PH Date: .1 kg. Exec ession'Eliate: / 31
Motion: t I 1 Amendment #:
MEMBER YEAS NAYS
Hunt, John B. Chariman . Biggie, Barbara Vice Chairman V Fraser, Valerie Clerk i. Fromuth, Bart V/ Sanborn, Laurie 3. i, Ferreira, Elizabeth V /. . Osborne, Jason M. Costable, Michael / Plumer, John R. V/ Schwaegler, Vicki Vi Panasiti, Reed A. V Butler, Edward A. . . -Gicig7-Kelantat-h-14, Williams, Kermit R. // . Abel,' Richard M. ' V/ Luneau, David V McBeath, Rebecca , V 1 ri . Fentneamet-liyI __—_, Van Houten, Connie V TOTAL VOTE: ainaikAiat,k-
175i2110/A, •
Page: 1 of 1 Sub-Committee Minutes
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SUBCOMMITTEE WORK SESSION on HB 1241
BILL TITLE: establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire.
DATE:
Subcommittee Memb- iggi , + romuth Ferreir Osborne, Cos-table, Plumgr, Schw"ler, ge, ilfiams, Abel, uneau, c13-Oath, l3aitIZEg)Foritneau,- Van Houten and-Fraser
Comments and Recommendations:
MOTIONS: OTP, OTP/ etained (1st Yr), Interim Study (2nd Yr) (Please circle one)
Moved by Rep. Seconded by Rep. AM Vote:
Adoption of Amendment #
Moved by Rep. Seconded by Rep. Vote:
Amendment Adopted Amendment Failed
MOTIONS: OTP, OTP/A, ITL, Retained (1st Yr), Interim Study (2nd Yr) (Please circle one)
Moved by Rep. Seconded by Rep. AM Vote:
Adoption of Amendment #
Moved by Rep. Seconded by Rep. Vote:
Amendment Adopted Amendment Failed
Respectfully submitted,
Rep. Subcommitte Chairma /Clerk HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SUBCOMMITTEE WORK SESSION on HB 1241
BILL TITLE: establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire.
DATE: January 30, 2018
Subcommittee Members: Reps. Hunt, Biggie, Fraser, Fromuth, Sanborn, Ferreira, Osborne, Costable, Plumer, Schwaegler, Panasiti, Butler, Gidge, Williams, Abel, Luneau, Mcl3eath, Bartlett, Fontneau and Van Houten
Comments and Recommendations:
MOTIONS: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE Moved by: Seconded by: Vote: 4-3
Respectfully submitted,
Rep. John Hunt Subcommittee Chairman Hearing Minutes HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
PUBLIC HEARING ON HB 1241
BILL TITLE: establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire.
DATE: January 12, 2018 LOB ROOM: 302 Time Public Hearing Called to Order: 1:30 pm
Time Adjourned: 2:00 pm
Committee Members: Reps. Huni&3PiTeN,1 ras romuth Sanborn Osborne, Costable Plumer, Schwaegle Panasifi; gutl9s1 Gidge, illiama tmeau,cBeath2 ..) artle11,T6iitneau nd an Houte
Bill Sponsors: Rep. McNamara Rep. Knirk Rep. Suzanne Smith
TESTIMONY
* Use asterisk if written testimony and/or amendments are submitted.
Rep. Richard McNamara, prime sponsor - I think a commission is the way to do this and bring in detailed information. How will it be paid for?
Q: Rep. Kermit Williams - This is an intractable problem and how will it be implemented differently? A: This whole system of health insurance is sick. The current structure is too divided. A lot of money from the lobbyists pedal influence. I think it can be done and save money in NH. We are from NH and we can do anything.
Q: Rep. Barbara Biggie - What is the difference between the two commissions heard today? A: I think the 6 states could be done. Can we do it here in NH with 1.3 million people?
Q: Rep. Richard Abel - Is this more of an umbrella bill? Were this committee to combine a number of proposals for commissions instead of many smaller commissions would you advocate for a commission to look at all questions and coverage? A: I don't want this to be too diluted. Q: You could envision that we might establish more than one study commission doing overlapping work to prevent dilution? A: Yes.
*Robert S. Kiefner, MD of Concord, representing self - Supports. See written testimony. Rep. Jerry Knirk- Supports. I have a brother who lives in Norway who doesn't have to wait unless it is elective. Other countries also provide innovations. Dr Kirshner of Germany invented the intra-medullary rod for bone fractures. We have the best free market and worst outcome. Free market gives a choice of not to purchase. The principal is to look at other systems as free market may not be the best. Base it on data and not ideology.
*Rep. Suzanne Smith, Co-sponsor- Supports. Health care effective, affordable and navigable is a challenge, If NH does our work we can be a model for other states. Medicare, VA, are single payer programs. But that work to do this requires all of the stake holders to get together in a commission that would help to make decisions to help all in NH.
*Dr. Donald Kollisch, Hanover - Supports. Health care is complicated. An open airing of all issues would be involved in this commission.
Q: Rep. Williams - Is it possible to work these issues out on this commission? A: I was on the ZBA in my town for a few years, is really an entrenched position board. We have to work this out.
*Susan Zlotnick-Hale, representing self of Concord - Supports It is time to rethink how we pay for health care. Single payer promotes preventative medicine. This is also pro business: health care costs would not be footed by employers which would increase bottom lines and more income to spend on products (trickle down theory). It would attract businesses to NH. Worker's Compensation costs would be reduced.
Q: Rep. Williams - The French system is that everyone works for the government. Could you imagine single payer non socialized? Single payer is publicly funded but privately delivered. In France, their system is a little different where doctors are private offices but the funding is done through the government. Lower overhead because of no billing clerks, and only one billing system. The patient is in charge of their medical records. That prevents duplication of services.
Reza Hessabi- Self- Supports Ibid
David Lakomy- Self- Supports Ibid
Alex Doering- Self- Supports Ibid
Ken Dollard- PNHP- Supports Ibid
Ellen Phillips- New Durham-Democratic Committee- Supports. Ibid Blue Sheet: Pro: 30, Con: 3
Respectfully Submitted:
ia-a6 C YA-d/1-11 Valerie Fraser, Clerk HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
PUBLIC HEARING ON HB 1241
BILL TITLE: establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire.
DATE: t a
ROOM: 302 Time Public Hearing Called to Order:
Time Adjourned: d
(please circle if present)
Committee Members: Reps. Hun Fro Sanbor , Osborne, Plurner, Schwaegler iiliam uneau cBeat art et a raser i2J/1 Bill Sponsors: Rep. McNamara Rep. Knirk Rep. Suzanne Smith
TESTIMONY
* Use asterisk if written testimony and/or amendments are submitted.
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\ Testimony Single Payer Healthcare- healthcare for ALL is an expansion of choice
I need transportation- for work, for food. I can choose to own a car if I can afford one. However, if I cannot afford a car then I have the choice to use Public Transportation- the bus. I still pay a fee, called a fare, and I may have to wait for it but it is an option and choice.
In Healthcare, we have no such choice due to the current payment structure in this country. We as people need care for our health not insurance against health events. We need the equivalent of Public Transportation for health services FUNDED by us and for us.
Single Payer Healthcare is Pro-Business
1) Healthcare cost no longer footed by employer which increase their bottom line. Employers can now increase salaries or hire more employees. Customers will have more income to spend on products.
2) Single Payer Healthcare in New Hampshire will attract more businesses to the state increasing our tax base. It is happening now in Canada where they have enjoyed Single Payer care for decades
3) Workers Compensation Insurance will be reduced as the medical component will be rolled into universal healthcarep Liability & Automobile as medical component is removed.
),/ U\N-6w74-W)u( HB 1241
Good morning ladies and gentlemen. My name is Dr. Rob Kiefner. I was a Family Physician in Concord for over 30 years, was on the faculty at Geisel School of Medicine ( teaching medical students and residents), served on the medical staff at NHH, and served in the medical corps of the United States Naval Reserve.
As a result of my experience in all of these practice settings, I have come to the realization that we really do not have a system of medical care delivery in this country. Rather, we have cobbled together a patchwork of systems which is costly, inefficient, shamelessly profit driven, often inaccessible, and frankly dangerous to our patients.
It has been disheartening to see patients in all socioeconomic groups forego appropriate medical workups or critical medications either for lack of insurance or because insurance companies are indifferent to their circumstances.
It has been estimated that up to 48,000 people die each year in this country because they are uninsured or underinsured, and 2/3 of personal bankruptcies in this country are a consequence of medical debt.
Other industrialized countries are able to cover all of their citizens with healthcare at about half of our per capita costs, with much improved outcomes, utilizing Single Payer systems or not for profit variations upon this theme. While overhead for insurance companies approaches 20%, our own single payer system, Medicare, carries overhead of 2-3%. In 2007, a NHMS survey of physicians revealed that 81% of primary care physicians and 66% of all physicians preferred a government financed, but privately delivered system such as Medicare for All. These results were unchanged in a repeat survey last year. HR 676 in the US Congress supporting Medicare far All has 120 cosponsors, while a similar Senate bill has at least 16 cosponsors, including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. The time has come.
Each year, we endure endless, contentious debate about medical coverage. The ACA is imperfect and is under attack, as is Medicaid expansion in this state. By establishing a commission to study systems of providing care to all citizens of New Hampshire, we could actually make good prospective choices for universal, cost effective care, rather suffering through these endless cycles of poor, reactive decision making. I urge your support for HB 1241 to prospectively study options for universal care.
Robert S. Kiefner,MD
Concord,NH 03301
[email protected] Medicare is not free--it costs me, but I have affordable health care automatically deducted from social security. Both Medicare and the Veterans Administration are single payer programs. Offering a similar program to New Hampshire residents could be very beneficial. BUT it is still unclear because we, as a state, have never taken on the responsibility of studying this issue well. The work required will need all the stakeholders at the table. physicians, hospitals, business, the public, the insurance industry, and state agencies, to name a few.
Then will we be able to answer the questions we heard in a previous hearing. And then move in a direction which will benefit the health of the people of New Hampshire.
Thank you. Rep. Suzanne Smitl• 4b Rep. Suzanne Smith Serving Plymouth, Hebron & Holderness 20 Brookside Lane Hebron, NH 03241 603-715-0086
Resources, Recreation & Development Committee Exotic`Aquatics Weeds and Species Committee Scenic and Cultural Byways Council Drinking and Groundwater Trust Fund Advisory Commission Seacoast Commission for Long Term Goals and Requirements for Drinking Water State Parks Advisory Council January 12, 2018
Rep. John Hunt, Chair Members of Commerce Committee
Dear Chairman Hunt and Members of the Committee,
I write today in support of HB1241.
Providing health care that is effective, affordable and navigable has long been a challenge throughout the country and the state. The Affordable Care Act and the expansion of Medicaid have insured many more people, but those are not without their challenget. The complications of health care are still front and center.
Recently, a family practice physician that I know closed his practice after 30 plus years. WHY? In a large part, he moved from his physician owned practice to work for a hospital because of the paperwork. When one doctor needs 1-2 people to navigate the paperwork needed to get payment for medical services, the system is too complicated. The varying degrees to which insurance companies cover certain services and procedures, the deductibles which vary from company to company, the payment paid for services which varies from company to company and from plan to plan all make a complicated system, even moreso.
This physician moved to practice under the umbrella of a hospital. He no longer has to deal with insurance companies, employees, and building maintenance. However, he now is being asked to limit his patient visits to 15 minutes or less. WHY? Because in order to survive, doctors in many areas are forced to see 25 or more patients each day so that the net received in payment for services will cover salaries, overhead and administration. And in many instances, physicians are penalized if they do not make their production goals. All of this brings new meaning to the words patient care and quality care.
I know another physician who stopped accepting insurance altogether and now is able to offer patients basic care--annual physicals, acute care and referrals--for a reasonable fee. This is because she has no need for a full-time person to figure out the insurance issues. She can also spend as much time with her patients as needed.
I have family in Canada and am impressed with how well the system works including the cost of prescription drugs; rapid response in case of emergencies; and affordability, whether for airlift after an auto accident or a comfortable room for end of life care.
Three years ago, before my husband died, we were covered by his employee health insurance. If I had not been Medicare eligible, and there was no ACA, I would have been in bad shape--no way could I have afforded to keep up with my current policy. advocate educate collaborate newfutures- to reduce alcohol and other drug problems in New Hampshire
January 12, 2018
The Honorable John Hunt, Chair House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee Legislative Office Building Room 302 Concord, NH 03301
Re: New Futures' support for HB 1241 Dear Chairman Hunt and Members of the Committee: New Futures is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates, educates and collaborates to improve the health and wellness of all New Hampshire residents through policy change. New Futures supports HB 1241, establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire for the following reasons:
• Health care would be provided at a much lower cost. Currently, the United States spends twice the amount per capita that other counties with advanced economies.' New Hampshire's health care costs are the fourth highest in the country.' Since the "health care for all" program contemplated by this bill is a public option, these costs would be greatly reduced. Administrative costs would be lower than those of private insurers. Administrative costs estimates for existing public payer programs (ie. Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare) range from 3 to 11 percent, and estimates for private insures ranges from 25 to 35 percent. Also, since the government is a bigger entity than a private insurer, it has greater bargaining power and could negotiate better pricing in all areas of healthcare.'
• All New Hampshire residents would have affordable health care coverage. Currently, there are 62 thousand Granite Staters without health insurance. Also, although many New Hampshire residents do have health insurance, they face high co-pays and deductibles which would be eliminated by a public option for health insurance. A recent Kaiser poll indicated that twenty percent of insured Americans are having difficulty paying their medical bills.' A "health care for all program" would eliminate these issues. Because we know that a public option, such as the one contemplated by this bill, would lower costs and increase coverage, the issue of assessing the benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program makes sense, especially given the uncertainty of our current health care system.
1 Kutty, Ahmed M.D., The rational for a New Hampshire study commission on single payer, Physicians for a National Health Program, September 14, 2016. 2 Nilsen, Ella, Study finds N.H. Health costs some of the highest in the U.S., Concord Monitor, April 30, 2016. 3 Torrey, Trisha, Public Option Health Insurance Pros and Cons An Explanation for the Debate Over the Value of a Public Option, September 6, 2016. 4 Beyond the Affordable Care Act: A Physicians' [sic] Proposal for Single-Payer Health Care Reform (American Journal of Public Health, June 2016).
New Futures • 10 Ferry Street, Suite 307 Concord, NH 03301 • (603) 225-9540 • www.new-futures.org Page 2 of 2
For the reasons stated above, New Futures urges the Committee to vote HB 1241 Ought to Pass. Respectfully submitted,
Holly A. Stevens, Esq. Health Policy Coordinator
New Futures • 10 Ferry Street, Suite 307 Concord, NH 03301 • (603) 225-9540 • www.new-futures.org Bill as Introduced HB 1241 - AS INTRODUCED
2018 SESSION 18-2204 01/06
HOUSE BILL 1241
AN ACT establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire.
SPONSORS: Rep. McNamara, Hills. 38; Rep. Knirk, Carr. 3; Rep. Suzanne Smith, Graf. 8
COMMITTEE: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
ANALYSIS
This bill establishes a commission to study the benefits and cost of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire.
Explanation: Matter added to current Iaw appears in bold italics. Matter removed from current law appears [in hrochetc and ctruchthroughl Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type. HB 1241 AS INTRODUCED 18-2204 01/06
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eighteen
AN ACT establishing a commission to assess benefits and costs of a "health care for all" program for New Hampshire.
Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:
1 1 Statement of Intent. The general court recognizes that despite dramatic changes in the 2 federal health insurance programs, many residents of New Hampshire remain uninsured or 3 underinsured, and costs continue to soar. The general court further recognizes that the state has 4 an interest in containing the costs of delivering care within the financial means of the stakeholders 5 in our state. Because of the unique demographic, political, and fiscal characteristics of New 6 Hampshire, a program that assures universal access to health care for all individuals residing 7 within New Hampshire by combining all funds should be carefully evaluated and considered. 8 Therefore, the general court hereby establishes a commission to assess the benefits and cost of a 9 "health care for all" program in New Hampshire. 10 2 New Subdivision; Commission to Study Developing a "Health Care for All" Program for all 11 Residents of New Hampshire. Amend RSA 126-A by inserting after section 74 the following new 12 subdivision: 13 Commission to Study Developing a "Health Care for All" Program for all 14 Residents of New Hampshire 15 126-A:75 Commission to Study Developing a "Health Care for All" Program for all Residents of 16 New Hampshire. 17 I. There is established a commission to study developing a "health care for all" program for 18 all residents of New Hampshire. 19 (a) The members of the commission shall be as follows: 20 (1) Three members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the 21 house of representatives. 22 (2) One member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate. 23 (3) The insurance commissioner, or designee. 24 (4) The commissioner of the department of health and human services, or designee. 25 (5) Two public members who shall represent New Hampshire patients, appointed by 26 the governor. 27 (6) A representative of the New Hampshire Hospital Association, appointed by the 28 association. 29 (7) A representative of the New Hampshire Medical Society, appointed by the 30 society.
HB 1241 - AS INTRODUCED - Page 2 - 1 (8) One member representing the private health insurance industry in New 2 Hampshire, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives. 3 (9) A representative of the University of New Hampshire Institute for Health 4 Policy and Practice, appointed by the institute. 5 (10) A representative of the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, 6 appointed by the association. 7 (11) A representative of organized labor, appointed by the speaker of the house of 8 representatives. 9 (12) A representative of the New Hampshire chapter of the Physicians for a 10 National Health Program, appointed by the organization. 11 (13) A representative of the New Hampshire Council of Churches, appointed by the 12 council. 13 (b) Legislative members of the commission shall receive mileage at the legislative rate 14 when attending to the duties of the commission. 15 II.(a) The commission shall review the costs and benefits of establishing a comprehensive 16 publicly funded program of health insurance to cover all residents of New Hampshire. The 17 commission's study shall include, but not be limited to: 18 (1) How such a system would affect the number of citizens who are protected with 19 insurance. 20 (2) The impact on the state budget of a system that funnels all health care money 21 through a single pipeline. 22 (3) The amount of money which would be saved for employers and state residents by 23 such a publicly funded system. 24 (4) How a publicly funded system would improve targeted health indicators for New 25 Hampshire such as cancer deaths and drug-related deaths. 26 (5) Other issues that would be related to a single pipeline system. 27 (b) The commission may solicit input from any person or entity the commission deems 28 relevant to its study. 29 III. The members of the commission shall elect a chairperson from among the members. 30 The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the first-named house member. The first 31 meeting of the commission shall be held within 45 days of the effective date of this section. Nine 32 members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. 33 IV. The commission shall make an interim report with its findings and any 34 recommendations for proposed legislation on or before November 1, 2018 and a final report on 35 November 1, 2019 to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the 36 house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library. 37 3 Repeal. RSA 126-A:75, relative to a commission to study developing a "health care for all" 38 program for all residents of New Hampshire, is repealed. HB 1241 - AS INTRODUCED - Page 3 - 1 4 Effective Date. 2 I. Section 3 of this act shall take effect November 1, 2019. 3 II. The remainder of this act shall take effect upon its passage.