Transcript Highlights:

• It's also the conduit by which they go and get the coverage, and so that's why that particular piece
• and so that's why and get the coverage and so that's why that<01:37:34.199> particular<01:37:
• There is no state thus far who's made any use of the insurers' transparency and coverage data.
• There is no state thus far who's made any use of the insurers' transparency and coverage data.
• There is no state thus far who's made any use of the insurers' transparency and coverage data.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee first took up several bills and repeatedly chose to retain or table them rather than advance them. House 167, dealing with past wax, was voted ought to pass; House 312 was retained because members said NCAA-related advertising and uniform policy issues were still unresolved; House 434, requiring insurers to provide rental cars for at least seven days, was voted inexpedient to legislate; and House 454, on biodegradable packaging claims, was also voted inexpedient to legislate after members said the proposal lacked a workable enforcement mechanism and would likely be only a symbolic state-by-state measure. House 721, making gold legal tender, was retained, with members saying the bill needed more work and that the issue was less compelling in New Hampshire because the state has no sales tax. The committee then discussed House 310, which was amended to create a study commission on blockchain and related regulatory issues. The amendment expanded the commission’s charge to include legal, regulatory, financial, technological, and environmental considerations, added review of federal developments, included blockchain-based trust and stable token issues, broadened membership, and extended the repeal and report dates by a year. Members said the commission would help New Hampshire develop expertise and a report for future legislation, while also noting that federal action could affect the state’s role. The amendment was adopted 8-1, and the bill itself was then retained. Finally, the subcommittee heard a revised amendment to House 406 on business filings and registered agents. The Secretary of State’s office explained that the amendment, drafted with input from the Business and Industry Association, narrows the bill to address fraudulent or unauthorized entity filings after a written complaint and sworn statement, sets minimum requirements for registered agents, bars use of commercial mail-drop addresses as registered offices, and allows removal or cancellation of fraudulent filings with penalties for false filings. Members asked about which entities must maintain registered offices and how the rules would affect home-based businesses; the sponsor said most New Hampshire business entities must have a registered office, with some exceptions such as domestic nonprofits and trade names. The discussion emphasized concerns about synthetic entities, identity misuse, and the need for a physical in-state registered agent address.

Transcript Highlights:

• the portability statutes, specifically the statutes providing for combined service annuities and coverage
• <00:20:27.919> by<00:20:28.159> the receiving retirement coverage by the receiving
• retirement coverage by the correctional<00:20:28.880> plan<00:20:29.679> even<00:20:29.919
• <00:21:38.480> for<00:21:38.799> particular seizing coverage for particular seizing
• coverage for particular employees.<00:21:40.400> A<00:21:40.640> single<00:21:40.960><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is a coverage gap in Georgia.
• Gap in Georgia it is we're is a coverage Gap in Georgia it is we're talking<04:04:26.880> 175,000
• If all of a sudden 58,000 people lose coverage, they will still get sick and end up in the ER.
• If all of a sudden 58,000 people lose coverage, they will still get sick and end up in the ER.
• <05:19:15.400> on<05:19:15.558> the roles will buy coverage on the roles will buy coverage

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• needs to pass. 93,000 people in Contra Costa County—93,000—are at risk of losing their Medi-Cal coverage
• decision on how to fix it to make sure that people are going to be able to maintain health care coverage

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate committee heard AB 1768, authored by Assembly Member Brian, which would allow Los Angeles County and Contra Costa County voters to consider a local sales tax increase to help replace health care and safety-net funding lost to federal cuts, including impacts tied to H.R. 1 and Medicaid reimbursement reductions. The author and supporters argued the bill simply gives local voters the authority to decide how to respond to clinic closures, staffing shortages, and projected losses affecting Medi-Cal, CalFresh, hospitals, and community health centers. Support came from the California Primary Care Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, California Professional Firefighters, SEIU California, Teamsters California, the California Federation of Labor Unions, electrical and pipe trades groups, AFSCME California, and Contra Costa County. Opposition came from the cities of Glendale and Burbank, and several senators raised concerns that the measure would increase taxes and burden residents already facing high costs of living. Senator Seyarto argued the state should address its own spending and questioned whether the federal government was truly responsible for the funding shortfalls, while Senator Choi said the proposal would add to taxpayers’ burdens and could set a precedent for other local tax requests. Supporters responded that the bill does not impose a tax itself, but only permits county voters to decide whether to approve one. Senator Arreguin moved the bill for a due pass recommendation to the Senate floor. The committee approved the motion on a 5-2 vote, with the bill passing out of committee and being placed on the Senate floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Without insurance coverage, people are far less likely to receive routine preventive services, including
• Without insurance coverage, people are far less likely to receive routine preventive services, including
• <00:16:16.560> when residents losing health coverage when residents losing health coverage
• the cost analysis of the of the coverage the cost analysis of the of the coverage and<00:24:04.720
• <01:06:17.280> um certain minimum coverage amounts. um certain minimum coverage amounts. um

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• to all officers uh warrant coverage to all officers uh warrant officers<00:19:09.600> and<00:
• But emerging from the testimony is this real concern about additional living expense coverage.
• Emerging from the testimony is this additional living expense coverage.
• Additional living expense coverage, especially in times of disaster.
• I don't—I would say that it does vary among companies, the types of coverage they'll have.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• provide 12 months of continuous coverage provide 12 months of continuous coverage um<00:36:27.000
• I think in terms of what the coverage I think in terms of what the coverage would<01:03:21.920><
• So when you say you pick up—when Medicaid picks up the coverage—it's still at that 50% threshold when
• I'll say again, we have people that specialize in looking at coverage issues and making sure that, if
• I'll say again, we have people that specialize in looking at coverage issues and making sure that, if

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee met to begin work on HB 742, which would require catastrophic special education aid to be drawn from the education trust fund, and more broadly to study special education aid/differentiated aid and related costing issues. The chair said the group was starting early because the issue has been debated for years without resolution, local districts are being forced to absorb prorated costs, and the committee wants to send the Department of Education and HHS Medicaid a clear request for data and recommendations before retained bills return in the fall. A committee clerk was also selected, with Representative Reverend volunteering to take notes for the meeting. Members reviewed background materials on special education enrollment, high-cost students, and possible funding formulas, including data on students in high-cost brackets and prior ideas such as category-based funding and caseload-based approaches. The chair also referenced research on other states, including Arkansas, which uses a different special education funding structure and audits IEPs. The committee emphasized that it was focused on the funding mechanics and costs, not on questioning whether services should be provided. Henry Lipman of HHS explained how Medicaid-to-schools currently works in New Hampshire. He said 172 school districts participate, but utilization dropped during the pandemic and remains below historical levels, in part because districts need the capacity to bill Medicaid. Under the current system, schools receive reimbursement based on half of the Medicaid fee schedule, with the school district effectively providing the state share. He said the federal government is requiring a shift by July 1, 2026, to a true certified public expenditure model based on actual costs, which should allow schools to recover 50% of their true costs and some administrative overhead. The department has received a roughly $2.5 million grant to hire a vendor and support districts through the transition, and an RFP and stakeholder meetings are underway. Committee members asked about how costs would be determined, whether the new system would use actual district-specific costs rather than averages, and how the department would support districts that do not currently participate. Lipman said the cost model would be based on each district’s own reasonable costs, subject to audit standards, and that the department expects to provide templates and technical assistance through the vendor because its staff is limited. He also said about one in four New Hampshire children are enrolled in Medicaid, that child enrollment has been relatively stable, and that continuous coverage rules should reduce churn. No votes or formal actions on HB 742 were taken during the meeting beyond organizing the subcommittee and beginning testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• for before authorizing other coverage for one<00:17:28.079> of<00:17:28.240> your<00:17
• I don't know a lot about long-term care or, um, you know, this type of coverage, and I'm just curious
• and I'm just curious your coverage and I'm just curious your testifier<00:43:38.560> just<00:
• long-term care, you have a 100 day uh long-term care, you have a 100 day uh coverage<00:46:27.760>
• on Medicare, it actually works coverage on Medicare, it actually works quite<00:46:29.839> well

Bills: HF2400, HF1724, HF3437, HF4333, HF2874, HF4052

Keywords: real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, direct primary care, healthcare agreements, medical services, patient care, health insurance, mortgage fees, residential loans, commercial loans, finance regulations, investment properties, insurance, supplemental health insurance, short-term care, home health care, nursing care

Transcript Highlights:

• If coverage exists, treatment should not be blocked by administrative hurdles.
• Of course, with the fiscal note, we're talking only here about the state-paid portion of this coverage
• And especially now with people $30,000 sometimes into first-dollar coverage, uh, they pay 20,000 and
• , coverage, coverage, uh<01:15:23.960> they<01:15:24.080> pay<01:15:24.200> 20,000
• . coverage. coverage.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• S. 154, an act relating to health insurance coverage for biomarker testing.
• So patients will know if that coverage is being dropped, and they'll have 60 days to go in and work with
• So patients will know if that coverage is being dropped, and they'll have 60 days to go in and work with
• So patients will know if that coverage is being dropped, and they'll have 60 days to go in and work with
• So patients will know if that coverage is being dropped, and they'll have 60 days to go in and work with

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we're going to try on that one again next year. coverage under their policies.
• Eight coverage under their policies.
• <01:33:00.159> has<01:33:01.600> that<01:33:02.000> outlawing from coverage
• has that outlawing from coverage has that outlawing excluding<01:33:02.880> those<01:33:03.040
• those breeds from coverage has excluding those breeds from coverage has had<01:33:04.239> any

Bills: HB1604, HB1713, HB1722, HB2270, HB2401, HB2515, HB1979, HB1593, HB1743, HB2122, HB1756, HB1837, HB1729

Keywords: agriculture, housing, workforce, land use, zoning, public-private partnerships, tax credit, school impact fees, impact fee exemption, school facilities authority, residential development, housing shortage, affordable housing, infill housing, land dedication, fee in lieu, school construction, developer exactions, fair share contributions, education contribution agreement

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1604, which would create an agricultural workforce housing group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to address shortages of farmworker housing. The department said it supported the bill’s intent but emphasized that the group’s early work should focus on gathering data and surveying farm operators to assess actual demand, to avoid “mission creep.” Testimony from the City and County of Honolulu Office of Economic Revitalization, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, and the Maui Chamber of Commerce was in support, with one witness suggesting a housing advocacy nonprofit be added to the working group for balance. The committee then discussed HB 1713 on school impact fees, which would clarify exemptions for certain affordable housing projects and exempt new residential developments of fewer than 100 units. The Attorney General’s office said the bill should define “low to moderate income households” because that term is not defined in chapter 302A. HHFDC, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, and others supported the measure, arguing it would reduce administrative burden and remove barriers to housing. Members questioned whether the bill should instead repeal the school impact fee entirely; supporters said they also favored full repeal but viewed this bill as a more feasible step. The School Facilities Authority also explained that about $28 million in school impact fees had been collected across four districts and none had yet been spent, and discussed how recent nexus requirements limit how the funds can be used. HB 1722, relating to residential condominiums, drew extensive testimony and questioning. HCDA supported the bill and explained that it amends the 99-year leasehold pilot program created by Act 97 of 2023 by reducing owner-occupancy restrictions from 100% of units to 60%, allowing some rental or subleasing flexibility for the owner-occupied units, and permitting up to 40% of units to be sold to qualified residents after being on the market for more than 60 days. HCDA said the original restrictions, combined with rising construction costs, higher interest rates, and competition from nearby projects, made the pilot project difficult to market and finance; it said the changes are needed to make the project feasible and competitive. Supporters including AP Hawaii, Kila LLC, and project representatives said the amendments would help make the demonstration project in Kakaʻako viable. Some members raised concerns that the changes could weaken long-term affordability and questioned why certain ownership language was being deleted if rentals would still be restricted. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Providing insurance coverage, for example, for family planning has been enormously helpful in reducing
• Providing insurance coverage, for example, for family planning has been enormously helpful in reducing
• insurance coverage, for Providing insurance coverage, for example,<00:42:56.520> for<00:42:56.680
• coverage by physician or<01:29:54.960> by<01:29:55.320> an<01:29:55.480> advanced
• They've got coverage problems. It's a serious and significant problem.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee opened its sixth and final interim meeting with roll call, quorum confirmation, approval of the prior minutes, and a brief change in agenda order to preserve quorum and accommodate presenters’ schedules. Members then moved through several proposed health-related items with limited discussion, and the chair noted the committee would reconvene in January for further conversation. The first substantive item was a proposal relating to utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in Medicaid. Senator Gerald Neal and Tara Hyde of People Advocating Recovery argued that pain parity is needed so patients can access non-opioid options without prior authorization or step therapy barriers, especially in acute pain situations and for people in recovery. Senator Berg supported the concept and suggested expanding the approach to other prescriptions by allowing physicians to explain why step therapy is inappropriate at the time of prescribing; another member cautioned against unintended cost increases if non-opioid drugs are used as add-ons to opioids. The committee then heard a proposal on physician assistants from Senator Scott and Andrew Rutherford of the Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants. They described a shift from a supervisory to a collaborative practice model, with practice scope set at the practice level, limited Schedule II prescribing authority under guardrails, and permission for PAs to perform driver’s license vision testing. Supporters said the changes would improve rural access, reduce administrative burden, and align Kentucky with neighboring states; a question from Representative Bratcher focused on experience requirements and how the proposal compares with nurse practitioner rules. No vote was taken. Finally, Representative Nancy Tate, Adia Wuchner, and Representative Jason Nemes introduced a 2026 proposal aimed at “protecting vulnerable people.” They described a broad package focused on abortion pill trafficking, marketing to minors, commercial surrogacy, assisted suicide, and organ procurement safeguards, arguing that current law leaves gaps and that additional criminal and civil penalties are needed. The presentation was informational only, with no action taken before the meeting ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:34.480> for<00:15:34.720> that provides me the best coverage for that provides
• me the best coverage for that drug<00:15:35.279> that<00:15:35.600> my<00:15:35.760>
• or PBMs, which administer prescription drug plans for more than 289 million Americans with health coverage
• or PBMs, which administer prescription drug plans for more than 289 million Americans with health coverage
• > the<00:54:46.160> less insurance coverage for the less insurance coverage for the less

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• reflect expected future economic conditions and modify underwriting policies to move from a 1.0 debt coverage
• reflect expected future economic conditions and modify underwriting policies to move from a 1.0 debt coverage
• reflect expected future economic conditions and modify underwriting policies to move from a 1.0 debt coverage
• ratio<00:10:04.680> in<00:10:04.839> year<00:10:05.120> 15 from 1.0 debt coverage
• ratio in year 15 from 1.0 debt coverage ratio in year 15 to<00:10:05.680> a<00:10:05.760>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then another policy that really stood out to us was regarding temporary coverage that's given.
• So we can see that this temporary window for coverage sometimes becomes a permanent door.
• coverage of our group, and we meet throughout the year to improve our service and improve our quality
• He touched very well on temporary coverage.
• It would not qualify for emergency Medicaid coverage.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• After we hear that bill, we'll move on to House Bill 4, birthing centers' Medicaid coverage.
• 4, birthing cent's Medicaid coverage. 4, birthing cent's Medicaid coverage.
• <00:25:47.919> Due<00:25:48.159> to<00:25:48.320> these coverage at the time
• Due to these coverage at the time.
• This is not a bill that in any way increases Medicaid costs or coverages.

Bills: HB0003, HB0004

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, medical assistance, birthing centers, Medicaid, Wyoming, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , maybe a more regional model and then try to get those two models to coordinate to provide that coverage
• will be completed in 26 and 27, which may benefit some local entities that only require improved coverage
• :11.520> improved entities that only require improved entities that only require improved coverage
• <00:54:14.640> This coverage of their county area. This coverage of their county area.
• So it doesn't always that coverage.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:01 Staff Report on Statewide Emergency Responder Voice System- 00:01:09 Kentucky State Police and Finance and Administration Cabinet Response to Staff Report- 00:48:37 Adjournment-01:34:512, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard a staff report on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS), a multi-phase project intended to improve interoperable radio communications for first responders. Staff said Kentucky State Police did not appear to have violated statutes or regulations, but the project lacked an overall master plan, clear milestones, and consistent documentation, which contributed to delays, spending issues, and deployment problems. The report recommended updating the Kentucky Field Operations Guide to reflect SERVS and noted that the project has been funded in phases since 2018, with appropriations totaling roughly $216 million across 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, while about $109 million had been spent by the end of fiscal year 2025. The report raised concerns about project sequencing and oversight. Staff said most spending was concentrated in special mobile equipment, with Motorola accounting for about two-thirds of all SERVS expenditures and the top four vendors making up 81 percent of spending. They also said a sample of Motorola payments suggested possible late payments, though they could not confirm whether interest was paid. Staff criticized the use of master agreements for a project of this size, the lack of a centralized ledger, and the absence of a documented timeline or risk mitigation plan. They recommended stronger procurement and planning requirements, including possible legislative changes requiring approved master plans for large capital projects and additional funding conditions tied to SERVS master agreements. Land acquisition and deployment progress were identified as major bottlenecks, especially in Eastern Kentucky. Staff said the project began in western Kentucky using existing tower sites, but the remaining work is concentrated in harder-to-acquire areas, with more than 95 percent of new towers still incomplete. They said the Division of Real Properties did not begin formal contract work on acquisition until October 2024, despite earlier coordination, and recommended earlier consultation on future projects. Staff also noted that the Kentucky Wireless Interoperability Executive Committee had not been active in oversight, and survey results showed limited awareness and involvement among first responders. Committee members agreed that the lack of an initial implementation plan and the continuing need for funding reflected broader planning problems, and they discussed the need for a clearer end-to-end game plan rather than continuing to fund the project without a defined completion path.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so just the second slide, um, since we adopted postpartum coverage, which we reported um earlier
• Um, so just the second slide, um, since we adopted postpartum coverage, which we reported um earlier
• since we adopted postpartum coverage since we adopted postpartum coverage which<00:30:30.640>
• So we're tracking the data, the women who are having the postpartum coverage—that's of women who are
• postpartum coverage.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes from September 26. Senator Gray then raised the idea of creating a continuing subcommittee or recurring agenda item on palliative care and hospice, noting that the issues are evolving and suggesting the committee revisit the idea in coming months. The bulk of the meeting focused on Department of Health and Human Services updates. Officials described contingency planning for SNAP amid the federal shutdown, including a USDA notice that November benefits may not be fully funded, letters to participants warning of possible delays, and coordination with the New Hampshire Food Bank and local pantries. They said New Hampshire serves about 42,000 SNAP households, with average benefits around $300 a month, and that the department is also preparing to transfer funds for a special fiscal committee meeting. WIC was discussed separately: officials said WIC benefits had been extended through November 7 using additional USDA funds, but that some community agency-based WIC services may need to pause while money is redirected to food benefits. Officials also outlined New Hampshire’s rural health transformation grant application under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, describing a potential five-year, up-to-$1 billion opportunity focused on critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, and EMS. Members asked about transportation, workforce, and nursing retention; officials said transportation is included in the proposal, housing is not, and workforce supports may include lower tuition or awards but not loan repayment or traditional scholarships. They also said the final application would be submitted in early November and that priorities would be adjusted depending on the eventual federal award. Finally, Medicaid director Henry Lipman gave a quarterly postpartum coverage update. He said postpartum coverage is now nearly universal nationwide, and in New Hampshire 2,351 women had used the benefit through May 2025. He reported that mental health services were the most frequently used postpartum service, followed by preventive care, substance use disorder treatment, and cardiovascular-related care, and noted that Medicaid women have experienced a disproportionate share of maternal deaths. Committee members asked about rural distribution and the share of women receiving mental health services, and Lipman said the department would follow up with additional data. The meeting then moved into the annual update on New Hampshire’s 10-year mental health plan, with staff describing progress toward a more integrated continuum of care and improved data infrastructure.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also know that the mental illness severity will increase as people lose coverage, and we'll go back
• We also know that the mental illness severity will increase as people lose coverage, and we'll go back
• We also know that the mental illness severity will increase as people lose coverage, and we'll go back
• We also know that the mental illness severity will increase as people lose coverage, and we'll go back
• I think you're thinking of 90-day retroactive coverage.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People need coverage, plain and simple.
• “People need coverage, plain and simple.
• to buy the coverage.
• needed the coverage to buy the<01:00:03.799> coverage.
• With an open enrollment the coverage.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all