Stephen Bishop

February 9th 2025, Dear Chairperson and Members of the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, My name is Stephen Bishop, I am a NH resident practicing Family Medicine and I am writing in strong opposition to HB 392. As a family medicine physician, I am very worried about the effect this bill, if passed, would have on the health of my patients. My patients have varying health status and needs, stemming from different financial situations and education levels, living in different parts of the state, having different capabilities due to physical and mental disabilities, as well as differing experiences with substance use, or being veterans and having military experience, and thus have different requirements in order to access quality healthcare and achieve good health outcomes. The Office of Health Equity works to assure access to DHHS programs, services and resources so that ALL my patients can have a chance at the best heath possible. The proposed legislation will negatively impact many of my patients and could result in significantly worse health outcomes leading to higher costs to provide care for these patients, including higher Emergency Department visits and hospital volumes on an already strained healthcare system Thank you for your time and consideration of my testimony. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Stephen Bishop MD