Signed by Governor Chris Sununu

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes parts of the Affordable Care Act protecting access to preexisting conditions as state law.

Highlights:

• Prohibits health carriers in New Hampshire from establishing any annual or lifetime limit on essential health benefits for any individual (Sec. 220).

• Exempts annual or lifetime limits on certain specific covered health benefits that are not essential health benefits, to the extent permitted under federal law (Sec. 220).

• Requires health carriers offering coverage to small employers to offer coverage at any point during the year (Sec. 220).

• Prohibits health carriers from rescinding health coverage issued to an individual, or to an individual covered under health coverage issued to a small or large employer, unless any of the following circumstances occur, including (Sec. 220):

• The individual seeking coverage performs an act, practice, or omission that constitutes fraud; or

• The individual makes an intentional misrepresentation of material fact, as prohibited under the terms of the coverage.

• Requires a health carrier in the individual, small group, or large group market to provide the same equal access to all health programs, coverage, or activities without discrimination on the basis of the following, including (Sec. 220):

• Sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity;

• Race, creed, color, or marital status; and

• Familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin.

Full Bill Text