Nebraska's LB 913 requires the Department of Health and Human Services to appoint a dementia services coordinator by a specified date. This coordinator will directly assist individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia and their caregivers by connecting them to resources, collecting data on dementia impacts, and evaluating service needs across the state. Key responsibilities include serving as a referral hub, recommending policy and funding changes, monitoring the state's dementia care plan, and organizing community solutions. The bill aims to improve coordinated care access for affected Nebraskans through these specific, actionable duties.
LB 867 amends multiple Nebraska statutes governing health and human services programs administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. It directly affects individuals receiving state benefits, including those in medical assistance, child care, and the "Bridge to Independence" program for young adults. Key changes include eliminating spousal asset requirements for medical assistance, adjusting eligibility for the Bridge to Independence program, modifying child care grant funding, and removing obsolete provisions like the Maternal and Child Health Work Fund. The bill also repeals outdated rules, such as the Nurse Licensure Compact and certain fingerprint requirements under the Uniform Credentialing Act.
LB 1091 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to provide long-term care services (like skilled nursing, nursing facility, and assisted living care) for Medicaid recipients with complex medical needs through fee-for-service Medicaid or other non-risk-based systems - instead of the state's Medicaid managed care program. It directly affects Medicaid recipients with intensive care needs and their healthcare providers, ensuring these services continue outside managed care enrollment. The bill mandates that providers serving these clients cannot be forced to join managed care organizations, while preserving care continuity and preventing increased state costs. Key provisions include defining "special needs" clients and requiring the department to update contracts and rules within six months of the law's effective date.
LB 955 allows pharmacists in Nebraska to form written practice agreements with physician assistants (PAs) who work under collaborative agreements with physicians. These agreements enable PAs to coordinate with pharmacists to provide pharmaceutical care under specific written protocols for monitored or initiated therapies. The bill requires pharmacists to notify both the Pharmacy Board and the PA's licensing board about agreements, include signed protocols, and review agreements every two years. This change directly affects pharmacists, PAs, and their supervising physicians by creating a formalized process for collaborative patient care.
This bill (LB 929) amends Nebraska's Medicaid rules to restrict cost-sharing requirements for enrollees. It prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from imposing deductibles, copayments, or similar charges unless federal law mandates them (Section 68-912(6)). If federal requirements apply, the state must implement them no earlier than October 1, 2028, at the lowest amount permitted by federal law (Section 68-912(7)), allow managed care organizations to pay these costs on behalf of enrollees, and prevent providers from denying care due to unpaid charges. The bill directly affects Nebraska Medicaid enrollees by protecting them from unexpected out-of-pocket costs and ensuring access to care.
LB 903 requires case managers in Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to refer families with children under two years old to evidence-based home visitation services when appropriate. This applies to families involved in child welfare cases where a juvenile is under the department's care (either court-ordered or voluntary) or in non-court cases. The bill amends existing law to mandate this referral process, which connects families to existing home visitation programs designed to support early childhood development and family well-being.
LB 1124 increases Nebraska's cigarette tax by $1.64 per pack (for ≤20 cigarettes) and redirects the majority of tax proceeds to specific state funds. It directs 97 cents per pack plus $1.25 million annually to the Nebraska Health Care Cash Fund for Medicaid programs, addressing smoking-related healthcare costs cited as exceeding $120 million yearly. The bill also allocates remaining funds to outdoor recreation, health services, building renewal, and public safety programs, while requiring the General Fund to receive the equivalent of 52.49 cents per pack. The changes take effect July 1, 2026, with Medicaid funding as the primary new focus.
LB 762 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover treatment for two specific pediatric conditions: pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS). It mandates coverage for recommended treatments like antibiotics, medication, behavioral therapy, plasma exchange, and immunoglobulin, directly affecting families of children diagnosed with these conditions and insurers offering health coverage in the state. Insurers must report coverage denials for these treatments annually to the Department of Insurance, which will publish a public report starting in 2028. The bill aims to ensure access to medically necessary care for affected children without insurer denials.
LB 1240 modifies Nebraska's ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program by preventing the state from seeking recovery of funds from an ABLE account after the account holder's death. Specifically, it states that Nebraska cannot recover amounts from the account or distributions made upon death for medical assistance received under the Medical Assistance Act after the account was established. This directly affects Nebraska residents using ABLE accounts who receive state medical assistance, ensuring their beneficiaries won't face repayment claims for prior medical costs. The change amends Section 77-1403(5) of Nebraska law to align with federal ABLE program rules.
LB 940 prohibits Nebraska public elementary and secondary schools from serving school meals containing six specific artificial color additives (Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6) starting August 1, 2026. The bill applies only to meals served under federal school lunch programs (as defined by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act of 1966) and does not cover other food items offered to students. It bases the banned additives on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's list as of January 1, 2026, using federal definitions for "color additive" and "school meal." The policy change directly affects school meal providers and students receiving these meals in Nebraska.
