AFP Applauds House Passage of Legislation to Expand Healthcare Access with More Affordable Options
Concord, NH—Americans for Prosperity-New Hampshire (AFP-NH) today celebrated New Hampshire House’s passage of House Bill 548, legislation allowing licensing for facilities exclusively receiving direct payments for services. This measure will significantly reduce costs for providers and patients, fostering expanded healthcare access and increased healthcare innovation.
Under current law, in order to receive a healthcare facilities license from the State, providers are required to accept all forms of payment, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance. These third-party payment models drive up healthcare costs, by at least 30%. HB 548 eliminates the outdated mandate, allowing direct payment facilities to provide a lower-cost alternatives. With the repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, New Hampshire is in a position to embrace innovative solutions that put patients first.
AFP-NH Regional Director Greg Moore released the following statement:
“This is a great step to offering Granite Staters more accessible and more affordable healthcare. At a time when out of pocket costs for healthcare in New Hampshire are among the highest in the nation, this bill will provide much needed relief. At the same time, it will give frustrated medical professionals a chance to practice medicine on their terms, with a focus on their patients and not on following practices mandated by insurance companies or their employers.
“Regulations like the one this bill repeals drive up costs and hamstring doctors and nurses. Clearing these logjams allows new alternatives to flourish and the real beneficiaries are the patients. We applaud the House for passing this important reform and we’ll work to make sure it becomes law this year.”
