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SB 123

requiring coverage of ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse under the state Medicaid plan.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Donovan Fenton and 5 co-sponsors

New Hampshire Medicaid must cover auricular (ear) acupuncture as a treatment option for substance use disorders, with provider reimbursement and integration into care plans.

Pending Motion OT3rdg; 01/29/2026; SJ 2
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 123

Summary of SB 123 (New Hampshire, 2026 Session)

Title

Requiring coverage of ear acupuncture as a treatment for substance misuse under the state Medicaid plan.

Purpose and Intent

  • To mandate that the state Medicaid program cover ear acupuncture (also known as auricular acupuncture) as a treatment option for individuals with substance misuse disorders.
  • Aims to expand access to a non-opioid, complementary therapy within the Medicaid benefits package, potentially increasing treatment options and improving recovery outcomes for beneficiaries with substance use disorders.

Key Provisions (as implied by title and typical Medicaid coverage statutes)

  • Mandated Coverage: Ear acupuncture services must be covered under New Hampshire’s Medicaid program, with reimbursement to qualified providers.
  • Eligibility and Scope: Ear acupuncture would be available to Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with substance use disorders. Coverage may apply to the provision of acupuncture services performed by licensed or otherwise authorized practitioners, consistent with state licensure rules.
  • Provider Requirements: Auditable standards for provider credentialing, service delivery, and documentation to ensure services are billable and compliant with Medicaid rules.
  • Billing and Reimbursement: Establishes payment rates or reference to existing Medicaid reimbursement schedules for auricular acupuncture, including any administrative codes (CPT/HCPCS) and claim submission timelines.
  • Coordination of Care: Possible integration with other substance use treatment modalities (e.g., counseling, pharmacotherapy, behavioral therapies) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
  • Cost and Budgetary Impacts: May require an assessment of anticipated fiscal impact to the Medicaid program, including potential increases in utilization and overall program costs.

Note: The bill text is not provided here; the above points reflect typical elements associated with a bill that requires coverage of a specific therapy under a state Medicaid plan.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Medicaid Beneficiaries with Substance Use Disorders: Eligible individuals enrolled in New Hampshire’s Medicaid program who choose ear acupuncture as part of their treatment.
  • Healthcare Providers: Licensed or authorized acupuncturists and other eligible practitioners who offer auricular acupuncture services to Medicaid beneficiaries; providers may need to adjust billing practices to submit claims under Medicaid.
  • State Medicaid Program: The division or agency administering Medicaid in New Hampshire, which would implement coverage, establish reimbursement rates, and ensure compliance.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee Pathway: The bill originated in Health and Human Services (per hearing history) and moved through committee considerations, with multiple votes recorded along the path:
    • Initial committee report: Inexpedient to Legislate (IDTL) with a 6-0 vote (dated January 7, 2026).
    • Subsequent actions included referrals and potential “Ought to Pass” votes, indicating some consideration of merit before final disposition.
  • Floor Action History:
    • The bill shows motions and discussions on “Ought to Pass,” and also a disposition labeled “Inexpedient to Legislate” (IDTL) at multiple stages, reflecting divergent views during deliberations.
    • As of January 29, 2026, the bill’s status included motions and tabled actions, suggesting that it did not yet advance to final passage in that session date.
  • Effective Date: If enacted, the bill would specify an effective date for coverage implementation, often aligning with the start of the next state fiscal year or a stated rollout period.
  • Sunset/Review Provisions: Not specified here; some bills include periodic review of coverage legality and cost impact.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Access and Alternatives: Could provide an additional treatment option for substance use disorders, potentially reducing barriers for patients seeking complementary therapies.
  • Cost Considerations: Medicaid cost impact depends on utilization rates, reimbursement rates, and existing coverage of related therapies.
  • Clinical Evidence and Acceptance: Implementation may hinge on clinical guidelines, evidence of effectiveness for auricular acupuncture in substance misuse treatment, and provider availability.
  • Equity and Availability: Ensures Medicaid beneficiaries have access to a broader set of treatment modalities, which could vary regionally based on provider presence.

If you can provide the bill text or a current status update, I can tailor this summary with precise statutory language, exact provisions, and definitive timelines.

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

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