Healthcare

died · Alabama · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 81: Dental insurance; set medical loss ratio for insurers

SB 81 would require dental insurance companies in Alabama to spend at least 75% of premiums collected on individual dental care claims and 83% on group plans. Insurers failing to meet these thresholds must refund the difference to policyholders. The bill also mandates that insurers publicly report their financial data, including claims payments and expenses, to the Insurance Commissioner. This applies to standalone dental plans sold by commercial insurers, excluding self-funded plans, Medicare Advantage, and certain state-run programs.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates dental insurers spend 75-83% of premiums on care, requiring refunds for shortfalls and public reporting to protect consumer coverage and ensure funds support actual dental services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicare

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in committee · Alabama · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SB 51: Contraception; guaranteeing access to in the state

SB 51 establishes that Alabama residents have the right to access FDA-approved contraceptives and that healthcare providers (including doctors, pharmacists, and clinics) have the right to dispense them and provide related information. The bill prohibits state agencies, local governments, and officials from enforcing any law, rule, or policy that restricts access to these contraceptives or interferes with their distribution. It allows the Attorney General, healthcare providers, or affected individuals to file lawsuits to stop such enforcement through civil actions. This law directly affects Alabama residents seeking contraception, healthcare providers offering these services, and state/local governments implementing policies related to contraceptive access. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareGuarantees access to FDA-approved contraceptives, prohibits restrictions on providers/distribution, directly improving patient access to reproductive healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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signed · Alabama · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 116: Volunteer Rescue Squad Tuition Reimbursement Program; to permit EMS regional agencies to participate in education instruction

HB 116 expands Alabama's Volunteer Rescue Squad Tuition Reimbursement Program to include the Alabama Department of Public Health's regional emergency medical services (EMS) agencies. Currently, only Alabama Community College System schools, the Alabama Fire College, and the University of South Alabama could offer the required EMS education for tuition reimbursement. This bill adds designated EMS regional agencies under the Department of Public Health as eligible institutions to provide education and receive reimbursement. Students enrolled in these new programs would still need to contract to work for two years with volunteer rescue squads, fire departments, or ambulance services after obtaining their EMS license. The change primarily affects EMS students and volunteer emergency services organizations by broadening educational pathways for tuition assistance.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands educational access by adding EMS regional agencies as eligible institutions for tuition reimbursement in EMS training, increasing pathways for education.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands EMS education eligibility under public health, enhancing training for emergency medical services personnel, directly supporting healthcare workforce development and access to emergency care.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid Public Health

passed · Alabama · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 47: Child support; retroactivity provided for in certain circumstances

SB 47 would allow child support orders established within one year of a child's birth to include payments dating back nine months before the birth. This means courts could require parents to pay support for the final nine months of pregnancy and early infancy, covering costs like medical expenses. The bill directly affects parents and children in cases where support orders are set shortly after birth. It amends Alabama law to change the retroactivity period for these specific cases, replacing the previous two-year limit for past support.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly covers medical expenses in child support, ensuring payment for healthcare costs during pregnancy and early infancy.85% confidence

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in committee · Alabama · House Jan 21, 2026

HB 251: Children First Trust Fund, appropriations from for fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, use of allocation pursuant to Section 41-15B-2.2, Code of Alabama 1975 and this act, tobacco settlement revenues deposited in fund within 30 days of receipt

HB 251 appropriates $36.6 million from Alabama's Children First Trust Fund and $43.8 million from other tobacco settlement funds for the 2027 fiscal year. These funds are allocated to specific state agencies - including the Alabama Medicaid Agency, Department of Early Childhood Education, and Youth Services - to support children's health, education, and social services programs. The bill requires tobacco settlement revenues to be deposited into the Children First Trust Fund within 30 days of receipt and mandates quarterly allocations to agencies based on available funds. It also transfers funds currently designated for the State Board of Education to the State General Fund during fiscal year 2027. All allocations are conditional on receiving tobacco revenues and must align with approved investment plans for each agency.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $80.4M in existing tobacco settlement funds to children's health/education programs, funding essential services without tax changes.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $80.4M to Alabama Medicaid Agency and children's health programs via tobacco settlement funds, directly increasing healthcare funding for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Children's Health Medicaid

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in committee · Alabama · House Jan 14, 2026

HB 232: Hospitals, private hospital assessment and Medicaid funding program sunset clause removed

HB 232 permanently extends a 6% tax on net patient revenue from privately operated hospitals in Alabama, which currently funds Medicaid payments but was scheduled to expire on September 30, 2028. This tax, described as a "cost of doing business" for these hospitals, requires them to pay the assessment annually to support Medicaid hospital payments. Funds collected go into the Hospital Assessment Account, which must be used exclusively for hospital payments and cannot replace other state Medicaid funding. The bill removes the sunset clause, making the tax permanent for all privately operated hospitals in the state.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPermanently extends 6% hospital tax to fund Medicaid, ensuring ongoing revenue stream for hospital payments without sunset clause.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePermanently extends 6% hospital tax funding Medicaid payments, ensuring continued financial support for hospital services under Medicaid program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid

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passed · Alabama · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 278: Firefighters and rescue squad members, income tax credit for training under certain conditions expanded

HB 278 makes Alabama's existing income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and rescue squad members permanent and expands it to cover three new categories: members certified at Firefighter I level, Emergency Medical Responders, and fire support persons. The credit amount varies by certification, ranging from $200 to $600 annually, depending on the specific role and training level. To qualify, members must complete 30 hours of approved annual training and submit proof through a standardized certification process to the Department of Revenue. This change applies to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, replacing the previous temporary 2023-2026 window.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands income tax credit for public safety volunteers, providing tax relief through permanent credit increases ($200-$600) for training, directly supporting tax policy for lower-income public service workers.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands tax credit to Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), directly supporting healthcare workforce development in emergency medical services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

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died · Alabama · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 61: Public assistance; regular cross-checks required for Medicaid and food assistance eligibly, categorical eligibly for food assistance prohibited, eligibility for food assistance further provided for

SB 61 requires Alabama's Medicaid Agency and the State Department of Human Resources to verify eligibility for Medicaid and food assistance (SNAP) through regular data matching with state agencies, instead of accepting self-attested information. It prohibits using categorical eligibility for SNAP benefits (where eligibility for one program automatically qualifies for another) and mandates that SNAP income/asset standards align strictly with federal limits. The bill also requires monthly checks of death records, incarceration, and residency data, and quarterly reviews of employment and tax records to confirm ongoing eligibility. Additionally, it mandates public reporting of aggregated fraud investigation data and sets certification periods for SNAP benefits based on household characteristics.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires Medicaid eligibility verification to prevent fraud, strengthening program integrity and ensuring proper healthcare coverage access.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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signed · Alabama · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 128: Board of Midwifery; authorized to accept gifts and grants

This bill (HB 128) would allow the Board of Midwifery to accept gifts and grants from external sources, such as private organizations or donors. It directly affects the Board of Midwifery, which oversees midwifery licensing and practice standards in the state. The key provision amends the Board's authority to expand its funding options beyond state appropriations, enabling it to receive non-governmental financial support. This change is procedural and does not alter midwifery practice requirements or patient care standards.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllows Board of Midwifery to accept external funding, expanding resources for healthcare regulation without altering practice standards.85% confidence

passed · Alabama · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 101: Motor vehicles, distinctive license plates, issuance of "Invisible Disability" plates, authorized

HB 101 creates a new "Invisible Disability" license plate for Alabama residents diagnosed with specific medical conditions (like autism, PTSD, diabetes, or visual impairments) or their primary caregivers. To qualify, applicants must provide physician documentation, pay regular registration fees plus a $40 annual fee, and meet standard licensing requirements. Proceeds from the $40 fee (minus costs) will fund Kulturecity, Incorporated’s sensory accessibility programs for people with invisible disabilities. The plate is valid for five years and replaces standard or personalized plates. This policy directly affects Alabamians with qualifying conditions and their caregivers, providing a visible identifier while directing funds toward accessibility initiatives.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds sensory accessibility programs for invisible disability conditions (e.g., autism, PTSD) via $40 plate fee, directly supporting public health accessibility initiatives related to healthcare.85% confidence

Tags People with Disabilities

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