A new state requirement removes barriers to glucose monitoring coverage—and embeds those costs directly into your health plan.
Most New Hampshire health services owners don't realize that as of 60 days after HB648's passage, their health insurance carriers—including those covering small-business group plans—must now cover continuous glucose monitoring systems and supplies without prior authorization, without a deductible, and without requiring insulin use or an endocrinology referral.
This isn't a small change. It's a mandate that directly increases the cost of every qualifying health plan a small business purchases in the state.
HB648 amended New Hampshire's insurance code to require coverage of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and related supplies for patients with Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. The law applies to insurers covering group health plans, individual health plans, and HMOs.
The key provisions eliminate three traditional barriers:
No prior authorization: Insurers cannot require advance approval before a patient obtains a CGM device or supplies.
No deductible: Patients pay no deductible before coverage begins.
No gatekeeping requirements: Insurers cannot require insulin use or an endocrinology referral as a condition of coverage.
These requirements apply under Section 1 (RSA 415:6-e III(a)) for health maintenance organizations, Section 2 (RSA 415:18-f III(a)) for insurance carriers covering group plans, Section 3 (RSA 420-A:17-a III(a)) for individual health plans, and Section 4 (RSA 420-B) for additional plan types.
If your organization offers or purchases a health plan in New Hampshire, this mandate is now embedded in your coverage. Unlike prior authorization requirements—which can reduce utilization and lower costs—this law removes cost-control levers. Insurers cannot delay or deny coverage based on clinical criteria or cost management.
For small businesses, this means premiums will reflect the cost of covering CGM devices for all eligible employees and their dependents, whether they use the benefit or not. The cost is distributed across the entire group.
For health services providers, this creates a new covered benefit you may need to stock, bill for, or educate patients about—depending on your service line.
The requirement becomes effective 60 days after HB648's passage, as stated in Section 5. Insurers and health plans must be in compliance by that date. If you renew your group health plan after that window, the new terms will apply.
If you haven't already received notice from your carrier about plan changes, contact them directly to confirm the effective date and any premium adjustments.
For a more detailed breakdown specific to your organization's health plan structure, a free resource guide is available through the New Hampshire Business and Industry Association and the state Insurance Department.