Bill > SB484

This bill, named "The Lowering the Cost of Health Care Act of 2026," makes several changes to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in New Hampshire. The legislation repeals existing premium requirements for both the New Hampshire Granite Advantage health care program and CHIP, effectively eliminating the cost for participants to maintain their health coverage. Additionally, the bill establishes a maximum cost-sharing limit of $5 per service for the Granite Advantage health care program, starting October 1, 2028, subject to federal limitations. To offset the potential financial impact of removing premiums, the bill appropriates the necessary funds to the Department of Health and Human Services for the biennium ending June 30, 2027, with the governor authorized to draw funds from the treasury. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and aims to reduce financial barriers to healthcare access for low-income residents by lowering out-of-pocket costs for Medicaid and CHIP participants.