HB 1638-FN (2026): creating a bypass mechanism for health insurer step therapy protocols when medically necessary.

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MLA: “HB 1638-FN (2026): creating a bypass mechanism for health insurer step therapy protocols when medically necessary.” Granite Record, https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1638. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.
APA: Granite Record. (n.d.). HB 1638-FN (2026): creating a bypass mechanism for health insurer step therapy protocols when medically necessary. Retrieved 19 Oct. 2026, from https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1638
Chicago: Granite Record. “HB 1638-FN (2026): creating a bypass mechanism for health insurer step therapy protocols when medically necessary.” Accessed 19 Oct. 2026. https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1638.
BibTeX: @misc{bill-2026-hb1638, title = {HB 1638-FN (2026): creating a bypass mechanism for health insurer step therapy protocols when medically necessary.}, howpublished = {Granite Record}, url = {https://graniterecord.org/bill/2026/hb1638}, note = {Accessed 19 Oct. 2026} }

HB 1638-FN (2026)

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

Status: Referred for interim study
Term: 2025-2026
House committee: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Subject: Insurance

The Story

It was introduced on January 7, 2026 and referred to the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee. The committee held a public hearing on February 17, 2026, with 26 people signed in online: 24 in support and 2 in opposition. The committee held a work session on February 18, 2026. The committee met in executive session on February 18, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 15–0, to recommend that the House study it after the session ends, and the report was placed on the consent calendar. On March 11, 2026 the House voted to study it after the session ends on a voice vote. The committee held work sessions on September 9, 2026 and October 7, 2026. The committee met in executive session on October 14, 2026 to vote on its recommendation. On October 15, 2026 the committee reported back on its interim study of the bill: “Not Recommended for Future Legislation”, by a vote of 11 to 0.

Hearings and Sessions

February 17, 2026, 11:00 AM: public hearing, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 159
February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM: full committee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
February 18, 2026, 1:00 PM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
March 11, 2026: consent calendar, House
September 9, 2026, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
October 7, 2026, 10:00 AM: subcommittee work session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229
October 14, 2026, 10:00 AM: executive session, House Commerce and Consumer Affairs, GP 229

Votes

March 11, 2026, House: Refer for Interim Study — voice vote, passed

The Docket

January 7, 2026: Introduced 01/07/2026 and referred to Commerce and Consumer Affairs
February 17, 2026: Public Hearing: 02/17/2026 11:00 am GP 159
February 18, 2026: Full Committee Work Session: 02/18/2026 10:00 am GP 229
February 18, 2026: Executive Session: 02/18/2026 01:00 pm GP 229
February 18, 2026: Committee Report: Refer for Interim Study 02/18/2026 (Vote 15-0; CC)
March 11, 2026: Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 03/11/2026
September 9, 2026: Subcommittee Work Session: 09/09/2026 10:00 am GP 229
October 7, 2026: Subcommittee Work Session: 10/07/2026 10:00 am GP 229
October 14, 2026: Executive Session: 10/14/2026 10:00 am GP 229
October 15, 2026: Interim Study Report: Not Recommended for Future Legislation 10/15/2026 (Vote 11-0; )

Laws It Would Change

RSA 420-J