Bill > SB137

This bill directs the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish two new payment rates under the state Medicaid plan: an administrative day rate and a swing bed day rate. For the administrative day rate, DHHS will cover up to 5 newborn administrative days when a postpartum parent cannot discharge their newborn due to potential substance exposure risks, with the possibility of additional days through expedited prior authorization. To qualify, the parent must room with and provide care for the newborn, and the hospital must provide all prescribed medications, including substance use disorder treatments. The rate will be updated annually based on the statewide weighted average nursing facility Medicaid payment rate and will include pharmacy services and medically necessary ancillary services. For the swing bed day rate, DHHS will establish a separate payment for patients receiving approved nursing care, with specific rules about how ancillary services and pharmacy services can be billed. The bill requires DHHS to adopt rules establishing the rate-setting methodology and will take effect on July 1, 2025. The primary goal appears to be providing flexible and supportive hospital stay coverage for postpartum parents and their newborns, particularly in cases involving potential substance exposure.

Health and Social Services

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=1151&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=SB137