8.__Border hospitals.__A carrier offering a health plan in this State shall demonstrate that any contractual arrangements that the carrier has with border hospitals, as defined in Title 22, section 303, subsection 2-C, reflect the special circumstances affecting border hospitals, including, but not limited to:

A.__Competition from hospitals and other health care providers located in New Hampshire and Massachusetts;

B.__The provision of services to persons who are not residents of this State; and

C.__The extent to which reimbursement for hospital services may be affected by payors that are not subject to regulation by this State.

SUMMARY

This bill requires that the special circumstances affecting border hospitals be taken into consideration in all matters involving their licensure and regulation by the Department of Human Services, including certificate of need decisions, and in all matters involving their arrangements with health insurance carriers.