New Hampshire State Budget Signed by Gov. Kelly Ayotte Unveils Sweeping Changes

Gov. Kelly Ayotte has signed two budget bills that comprise 162 pages of new laws, with several significant changes that have gained less attention than others. The budget includes a range of provisions that alter Medicaid, betting and gambling regulations, special education funding, and other key areas. One of the most notable changes involves Medicaid, which will introduce a work requirement, restore income verification, and expand the list of covered prescription drugs. Additionally, the budget modifies the scope of the agency overseeing gambling and betting, increases funding for special education, and establishes a panel to consider tax incentives for film production in the state.

Key Takeaways:

• The budget introduces a work requirement for Medicaid recipients, pending federal approval of a waiver application by the state's Joint Legislative Fiscal Committee.
• The budget restores income verification for Medicaid participants, which was suspended from 2020 to 2023.
• The budget expands the list of covered prescription drugs for Medicaid recipients, allowing name-brand medications in rare cases where they are cheaper than generics.
• The budget directs Medicaid to pay for new services, including at-home dialysis and incentive programs for beneficiaries to receive outpatient procedures in lower-cost settings.
• The budget includes a maternal health-focused bill, "Momnibus 2.0," which requires health insurers to cover maternal mental health screenings and home visiting services for pregnant and postpartum women.
• The budget authorizes a voluntary statewide self-exclusion database for individuals seeking to restrict their access to all forms of legal gambling.
• The budget modifies special education funding, directing the state to fund at least 80% of what school districts were owed in case of shortfalls.
• The budget establishes a panel to consider tax incentives for film production in the state, including creating an office dedicated to film and creative media.

Statistics:

• $90 monthly premium for a household with three Medicaid recipients
• 1-month, 2-month, 4-month, and 6-month check-ups for maternal mental health screenings
• 25 hours of paid leave for new mothers to attend maternal mental health appointments
• $4 copay for Medicaid recipients' prescription medications
• $10 million allocated to provide year-round emergency shelter for individuals suffering from opioid use disorder
• Jan. 1, 2026, start date for mobile driver's license availability
• July 2027 start date for the state psychiatric hotline for pregnant and postpartum women

Sources:

• New Hampshire Bulletin (https://newhampshirebulletin.com/)
• Getty Images (Octavio Jones, TriStar)