New Hampshire Insurance Department Announces Withdrawal of Bulletin INS-15-046-AB Regarding Autism Benefits

CONCORD, NH (March 3, 2025) – The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is withdrawing Bulletin INS-15-046-AB, which provided guidance on the administration of autism benefits. This decision follows statutory changes that removed previous monetary caps on coverage for autism treatment under New Hampshire law.

State law mandates coverage for specific treatments for individuals with Pervasive Developmental Disorders or autism, as outlined in RSA 417-E:1, III (h). Prior to September 23, 2022, RSA 417-E:2 included provisions that limited coverage for applied behavior analysis to $36,000 per year for children ages 0 to 12 and $27,000 per year for children ages 13 to 21. These limits were eliminated as part of statutory amendments, ensuring expanded access to necessary autism treatments.

As a result of these changes, NHID has formally withdrawn Bulletin INS-15-046-AB, and it is no longer available on the Department’s website. Insurance carriers and policyholders should no longer rely on the guidance provided in that bulletin.

“The removal of these coverage limits represents a significant step forward in ensuring that individuals with autism receive the treatment they need without financial barriers,” said Insurance Commissioner DJ Bettencourt. “The NHID remains committed to supporting access to essential health benefits for Granite Staters.”

“These updates ensure that insurance carriers operate in alignment with current state law while providing clarity for families seeking coverage for autism-related services,” said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Keith Nyhan. “The NHID is dedicated to maintaining transparency and strong consumer protections for Granite Staters.”

The bulletin, Docket #INS 25-018-AB, can be viewed at https://mm.nh.gov/files/uploads/nhid/documents/ins-25-018-ab-waithdrawal-ins-15-046-ab.pdf.

The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help

The New Hampshire Insurance Department’s mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 800-852-3416 or 603-271‐2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov/.