CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today applauded the Senate its strong bipartisan support New Hampshire HealthFirst, which the Governor proposed to help small businesses better afford health insurance for their workers.

Gov. Lynch unveiled the proposal during his State of the State Address last month.

“This bill is about helping small businesses better afford health insurance for their workers,” Gov. Lynch said. “With New Hampshire HealthFirst, we are working to bring health care innovations like wellness, prevention and technology to small businesses - so they can save costs and keep providing insurance to their workers.”

The Senate passed the bill 21-3.

“I want to thank the members of the Senate for reaching across party lines and joining with me to help improve access to quality health insurance,” Gov. Lynch said.

New Hampshire HealthFirst was developed in conjunction with the state Insurance Department, lawmakers, and other stakeholders. It will provide comparable coverage to existing health insurance plans, and reduce premiums by addressing the underlying cost drivers of health care increases through better prevention, better care management, and more efficient use of health care services.

Rhode Island passed similar legislation last year and reports a savings to small businesses of more than 15 percent when compared to similar coverage available in the market.

“This is a plan focused on the patient and on keeping the patient healthy. That translates into better, more cost-effective care,” Gov. Lynch said. “HealthFirst’s aim is to make it possible for all workers and their employers to access more affordable, comprehensive coverage.”

Senate Bill 540 is sponsored by Sens. Kathy Sgambati, Joe Foster, Maggie Hassan, Iris Estabrook, Deb Reynolds, Bob Odell, John Gallus, Jack Barnes, Jackie Cilley, Martha Fuller Clark, Molly Kelly, Lou D'Allesandro, David Gottesman, Sylvia Larsen and Harold Janeway; Reps. Martha McLeod, Sharon Nordgren, Peter Bergin, James Pilliod and Ed Butler.