SB509: requiring tobacco cessation therapy under the state Medicaid program.

SB 509-FN – AS AMENDED BY THE SENATE

02/21/08 0525s

2008 SESSION

08-2755

05/10

SENATE BILL 509-FN

AN ACT requiring tobacco cessation therapy under the state Medicaid program.

SPONSORS: Sen. Clegg, Dist 14; Sen. Gatsas, Dist 16; Sen. Downing, Dist 22; Sen. Hassan, Dist 23; Sen. Sgambati, Dist 4; Sen. DeVries, Dist 18; Rep. Carson, Rock 3

COMMITTEE: Health and Human Services

ANALYSIS

This bill requires the state Medicaid program to cover tobacco cessation therapies.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

02/21/08 0525s

08-2755

05/10

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eight

AN ACT requiring tobacco cessation therapy under the state Medicaid program.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Section; State Medicaid Program; Tobacco Cessation Therapy. Amend RSA 167 by inserting after section 3-h the following new section:

167:3-g Tobacco Cessation Therapy. The general court recognizes the health and economic benefits to the state of New Hampshire and its citizens occasioned by smoking cessation. Accordingly, the commissioner of department of health and human services is directed to provide scientifically-based and dynamic smoking cessation benefits to recipients of medical assistance that comport with the provisions and limits of Title XIX of the Social Security Act .

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2009.

LBAO

08-2755

Amended 03/11/08

SB 509 FISCAL NOTE

AN ACT requiring tobacco cessation therapy under the state Medicaid program.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Department of Health and Human Services states this bill, as amended by the Senate (Amendment #2008-0525s), will have no fiscal impact on state, county, and local revenue or expenditures.

METHODOLOGY:

The Department of Health and Human Services states this bill requires the state Medicaid program to cover tobacco cessation therapies. The Department states the Medicaid program does not discriminate by diagnosis and accordingly, when an enrolled provider orders a coverage service for an eligible individual, Medicaid pays for the service. Smoking cessation drugs, both prescription and over-the-counter, are already covered provided the manufacturer participates in the rebate program. There is presently no limit of these drugs. The Department states Medicaid offers a more comprehensive smoking cessation coverage than any commercial carrier. Accordingly, the Department believes it is already fulfilling the intent of the bill and does not anticipate any new costs.