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HB 648

relative to insurance coverage for glucose monitoring.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peggy Balboni and 11 co-sponsors

HB 648 would require health insurance plans to cover glucose monitoring devices and related supplies with limited or no extra cost-sharing, improving insured access to diabetes man

Refer for Interim Study: MA DV 309-37 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 86
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Bill Summary · HB 648

Summary of HB 648 (Session 2026) — New Hampshire

Bill Title: Relative to insurance coverage for glucose monitoring

1. Purpose and Intent

  • The bill addresses insurance coverage related to glucose monitoring. Its primary aim is to regulate or modify how health insurance policies cover glucose monitoring technologies or services, with a focus on improving access to essential diabetes management tools for insured individuals.
  • It seeks to ensure that glucose monitoring is treated as a covered health service/equipment under insurance plans, potentially aligning coverage with medical needs for individuals with diabetes.

2. Key Provisions and Changes (as introduced and progressed)

  • The bill would establish or mandate requirements for health insurance coverage related to glucose monitoring devices and related supplies. While the exact statutory language is not provided here, typical elements in similar measures include:
    • Mandating coverage for glucose monitoring devices (e.g., continuous glucose monitoring systems, wearables, meters) as essential durable medical equipment.
    • Requiring coverage for related supplies (test strips, sensors, data transmission devices, and maintenance).
    • Prohibiting higher patient cost-sharing (e.g., copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles) for glucose monitoring items compared to other similar medical devices.
    • Setting reasonable prior-authorization standards to avoid delays in access.
    • Clarifying that coverage applies to both individual market and group health plans, and possibly to certain state-regulated plans if applicable.
  • The bill’s status indicates a process of review and potential amendments, including an interim study reference, suggesting it may undergo additional evaluation before broad enactment.

3. Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Individuals with Diabetes: Primary beneficiaries, gaining clearer access to glucose monitoring devices and supplies through insurance plans, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs and improving disease management.
  • Insurers and Health Plans: May be required to adjust coverage policies, formulary listings, and cost-sharing structures to comply with the new requirements.
  • Healthcare Providers and Diabetes Care Teams: Could experience streamlined prescribing and renewal processes for glucose monitoring technologies, with fewer barriers related to coverage.
  • State Health Policy/Regulators: May oversee enforcement, ensure compliance with the new standards, and monitor access and cost impacts.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: Introduced in January 2025 and referred to the Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee, with a recess of the bill at certain stages.
  • Committee Process: The bill underwent multiple committee activities, including initial hearings, subcommittee work sessions, executive sessions, and full committee work sessions across 2025 and into 2026. This indicates careful scrutiny and potential amendments.
  • Interim Study Referral: As of January 7, 2026, the bill was referred for interim study (a temporary committee examination before final legislative action), suggesting that stakeholders may study impacts, costs, and practical implementation before full consideration.
  • Overall Timeline: The bill has a multi-year progression with ongoing committee deliberations and potential amendments or recommendations through interim study before any final floor vote.

5. Additional Considerations

  • The exact dollar amounts, copayment structures, or tiered coverage specifics are not provided in the available action history. If enacted, detailed regulatory language will specify:
    • which plans are subject (e.g., state-regulated plans, fully insured vs. self-insured, large group vs. small group),
    • required coverage levels (device types, frequency of replacement, and maintenance),
    • any exemptions or carve-outs (e.g., experimental devices, off-label use),
    • implementation timeline and grace periods for plans to come into compliance.

If you would like, I can incorporate the latest amendments or interim study findings once they’re available to provide an updated, granular synthesis of HB 648.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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