AN ACT EXPANDING EMERGENCY MEDICAID COVERAGE.

SB 327 expands emergency Medicaid coverage to include specific medical conditions requiring immediate care, such as high-risk pregnancies, severe diabetes complications, diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure needing dialysis, certain fractures, hypertensive emergencies, unstable seizure disorders, active cancer treatment, ventilator dependency, labor/delivery, and acute psychiatric care. It directly affects low-income residents who need emergency medical treatment but may not qualify for regular Medicaid. The bill requires the state Commissioner to implement this expanded coverage starting July 1, 2026, and establish an online advance application system by July 1, 2027, for outpatient emergency care. This system will include clear information on covered conditions on the Department of Social Services website and in department materials. The law aims to ensure timely access to critical emergency care without requiring hospital emergency department visits for qualifying conditions.