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HB 1638 · 2026 · House · Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee

Bypassing insurer step therapy rules

AI-generated

creating a bypass mechanism for health insurer step therapy protocols when medically necessary.

Creates a mechanism allowing health insurer step therapy protocols to be bypassed when medically necessary.AI-generated

Status

Referred to interim study (House) · March 11, 2026
  1. ✓Introduced
  2. ✕House
  3. Senate
  4. Governor
  5. Law

Analysis

This bill creates a bypass mechanism for health insurer step therapy protocols when medically necessary.

From the bill's official ANALYSIS section.

Official record

Bill page — docket & status

gc.nh.gov · the authoritative source

Sponsors

Rep. David NagelDPrime
  • Rep. Wayne MacDonaldRChair· Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs
  • Sen. Kevin AvardRDeputy Majority Whip
  • Sen. Cindy RosenwaldDDeputy Democratic Leader

Also: Rep. David LundgrenR, Rep. Julie MilesR, Rep. Mark PearsonR, Rep. Lilli WalshR, Rep. Gary WoodsD

Public testimony

26 signed in online · 6 wrote testimony

92% support8% oppose0% neutral

In their wordsVerbatim, exactly as submitted

“The New Hampshire Medical Society supports HB 1638. While step therapy protocols are designed to standardize care and as cost-containment tools, they often delay patients’ access to the most appropriate care.…”
— Cathy Stratton, Concord · NH Medical Societysupports
“Our family knows that health care can’t be one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, waiting to “step” through layers of protocols delays the right treatment. HB 1638 is vital because it allows doctors to bypass step therapy when it’s medically necessary.…”
— Rahel Kuhne, Lymesupports
“My name is Krysten Evans and I am writing in strong support of HB 1638. Step therapy too often forces patients to fail first before they can access the medication their doctor has already determined is medically necessary. It delays care. It prolongs suffering.…”
— K Evans, Pelhamsupports

Verbatim excerpts of submitted testimony, quoted from the testimony tool.

Read the testimony · as of Aug 12, 2026

Hearings

  • 2026-02-1710:00 amHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsGP 159Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2026-02-1810:00 amHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsGP 229Public hearingrescheduled
  • 2026-02-181:00 pmHouse Commerce and Consumer AffairsGP 229Public hearingrescheduled

Legislative history

  1. Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Commerce and Consumer Affairs HJ 1 P. 29
  2. Feb 17, 2026HousePublic Hearing: 02/17/2026 11:00 am GP 159
  3. Feb 18, 2026HouseFull Committee Work Session: 02/18/2026 10:00 am GP 229
  4. Feb 18, 2026HouseExecutive Session: 02/18/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
  5. Feb 18, 2026HouseCommittee Report: Refer for Interim Study 02/18/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC) HC 10 P. 9
  6. Mar 11, 2026HouseRefer for Interim Study: MA VV 03/11/2026 HJ 7 P. 13

Coverage

No reporting linked yet.

Documents (PDF)

Bill text & amendments link direct to gc.nh.gov; committee reports stream from the state record.