Across New Hampshire, rising prescription prices are driving up out-of-pocket costs, leaving many individuals, families, and older adults unable to afford the medications they need. A recent survey found that more than half of New Hampshire residents worry about affording their prescriptions, and one in four have cut pills in half, skipped doses, or didn't fill a prescription because of the cost.1 As the state faces a growing health care affordability crisis, we need solutions that ensure everyone can afford the life-saving prescriptions they need.
SB 647 would bring a free, privacy-first prescription discount card program to New Hampshire, helping lower prescription costs for Granite Staters.
About the Bill
SB 647 would bring a free prescription discount card program to New Hampshire. This program would offer significant cost savings and nationwide pharmacy access to Granite Staters, without selling their personal data. It would also help local, independent pharmacies stay in business, while generating revenue for the state. By helping New Hampshire address rising prescription costs while putting the savings directly into the pockets of Granite Staters, this program benefits everyone.
New Futures is working with AARP NH, the NH Alliance for Healthy Aging, and other non-partisan partner organizations to support this legislation.
Bill Status
May 14: The House voted by voice vote to send SB 647 to Interim Study, stalling its progress for the session. However, New Futures is pursuing alternative pathways for bringing this program to New Hampshire.
April 29: The House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee unanimously recommended sending SB 647 to Interim Study, which would end all action on the bill this session.
April 15: The House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee held a public hearing on SB 647.
March 26: The Senate unanimously voted to pass SB 647 in a voice vote.
March 18: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee unanimously recommends advancing SB 647 (5-0 vote).
March 11: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee held a public hearing on SB 647.
January 7: SB 647 was assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for review.
Learn More
Advocacy Brief & Social Media
Resources and News
References
- New Hampshire Consumer Healthcare Experience State Survey (2024, October). Health Care Value Hub at Altarum and New Futures. https://healthcarevaluehub.org/consumer-healthcare-experience-state-survey/new-hampshire.
