New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

New Hampshire Senate Bill SB500

Introduced

12/13/23

Refer

12/13/23

Refer

2/22/24

Caption

Establishing a primary care provider loan repayment program, and making an appropriation therefor.

Impact

The implementation of SB500 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws pertaining to healthcare and education funding. The bill will create a dedicated fund for this purpose, established to accept public and private contributions, grants, and gifts to ensure the sustainability of the loan assistance program. It also allocates $500,000 for the first biennium, and anticipates considerable annual expenditure increases peaking at approximately $23.2 million. This financial commitment reflects a strong push towards improving healthcare access and supporting burgeoning healthcare professionals in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 500 establishes a new primary care provider loan repayment program in New Hampshire, aimed at alleviating the financial burdens faced by healthcare providers within this sector. The bill mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to administer the program which focuses on providing student loan repayment assistance specifically for primary care providers who do not participate in the existing state office of rural health loan repayment program. The aim is to enhance the accessibility and retention of primary care services across the state.

Contention

During discussions related to SB500, various points of contention emerged, particularly surrounding its funding and potential utilization. Proponents argue that the bill addresses a critical need within the healthcare system by incentivizing providers to remain in primary care roles, especially in underserved areas. However, opponents voiced concerns regarding the sustainability of funding, considering the significant amount allocated without a clear long-term strategy for financial support post-initial implementation. Questions were raised about the potential impact on state finances and whether the investment yields tangible improvements in healthcare access and quality.

Latest NH SB500 Activity

View All Events: NH 2024 Regular Session SB500

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NH SB244

Relative to expanding access to primary health care services, increasing the size of the health care workforce, and making appropriations therefor.

NH HB586

Establishing an employee assistance program for small town first responders and making an appropriation therefor.

NH SB21

Relative to establishing a New Hampshire state trooper recruitment loan debt relief program and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB624

Establishing a local river management advisory committee grant program and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB624

establishing a local river management advisory committee grant program and making an appropriation therefor.

NH HB747

Establishing a program for enrichment scholarships for gifted students and making an appropriation therefor.

NH SB274

Establishing a 4-year pilot program to improve rail trails in New Hampshire, including the establishment of 2 funds, the rail trails program fund and the emergency trail repair fund, and making appropriations therefor.

NH S3062

Expands the health professional loan repayment program to healthcare providers practicing in primary care health settings.

NH SB279

Establishing the housing champion business loan program and making appropriations to the department of business and economic affairs and the business finance authority.

NH H1410

Relative to the primary care workforce development and loan repayment grant program at community health centers

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MD HB390

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MD HB0390

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MD HB350

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MD SB319

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PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1220

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.