Healthcare (Medicaid)

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 812: Provide requirements for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to medicaid eligibility redeterminations and community engagement

This bill (LB 812) updates Nebraska's Medicaid program rules by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to follow specific federal timelines for checking Medicaid eligibility. It limits eligibility redeterminations to no more frequently than federal law allows and sets strict rules for community engagement requirements: the department must wait until federal deadlines, allow only one month of compliance per review, and check adherence no more often than every six months during eligibility reviews. These changes directly affect Medicaid recipients who undergo periodic eligibility checks and the Department of Health and Human Services, which must now follow these standardized procedures. The bill amends existing law to align with federal requirements while adding operational safeguards for how eligibility and community engagement are managed.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill prevents excessive Medicaid eligibility checks, ensuring stable coverage by adhering to federal timelines and limiting redeterminations to avoid disruptions in health insurance access for beneficiaries.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1031: Require appropriations from the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Fund and state intent regarding medicaid rates for mental health providers

This bill requires Nebraska to allocate $1.5 million annually from the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Fund to reimburse mental health providers who serve Medicaid-Medicare dual-eligible patients (people enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare) for behavioral health services. It mandates that these providers receive the higher Medicaid or Medicare rate for such services, rather than a lower combined rate. The funding applies specifically to providers not operating within hospitals, supporting access to mental health care for vulnerable dual-eligible beneficiaries. The bill explicitly states the Legislature's intent to maintain current Medicaid reimbursement rates for these services in the medical assistance program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $1.5M annually from state fund to reimburse mental health providers for dual-eligible patients, funding essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates $1.5M annual funding from a dedicated fund to reimburse mental health providers at higher Medicaid/Medicare rates for dual-eligible patients, expanding access and improving provider payment for behavioral health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid Mental Health

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1122: State intent regarding appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services

This bill mandates that Nebraska's $462,480,546 appropriation for Medicaid nursing facility rates (Program No. 348) must be fully used in calculating annual rates for fiscal year 2026-27, including the inflation factor. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to submit two reports: one by August 1, 2026, detailing how the inflation factor was calculated, and another by December 31, 2026, identifying unobligated funds from prior nursing facility appropriations. The bill directly affects Medicaid nursing facilities and the state's Department of Health and Human Services by specifying how funds must be allocated and reported. It declares an emergency to take effect immediately upon approval.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates full use of Medicaid funding for nursing facilities, ensuring continued healthcare access and preventing defunding of critical services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 944: Require direct reimbursement to certain facilities for hospice care services under the Medical Assistance Act

LB 944 amends Nebraska's Medical Assistance Act to require direct reimbursement from the state for hospice care services provided to program participants. This change applies specifically to hospitals and intermediate care facilities that offer hospice services under the program. The bill modifies existing coverage provisions (previously listed in section 68-911(2)(p)) by mandating that payments be made directly to these facilities, rather than through third-party intermediaries. This policy change affects providers delivering hospice care to Medicaid-eligible individuals in Nebraska.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates direct state reimbursement to hospice facilities under Medical Assistance Act, improving payment efficiency and access to hospice care services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1091: Provide requirements for the Department of Health and Human Services for long-term care clients with special needs under the medical assistance program

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.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates fee-for-service Medicaid for complex care needs, ensuring continued access outside managed care systems, strengthening service delivery for vulnerable Medicaid recipients with special needs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 945: Change provisions relating to the use of the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Fund

This bill amends Nebraska's Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Fund rules to clarify how its funds can be used. It prohibits using the fund to replace existing state hospital payments and specifies exact allocations: up to $15 million annually for administrative costs, $2.5 million for nursing training expansion, and $17.5 million for non-hospital Medicaid providers. The bill also prevents Medicaid managed care organizations and hospitals from adjusting rates based on these directed payments or passing assessment costs to patients. These changes directly affect hospitals, Medicaid managed care organizations, and state agencies managing the fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $17.5M to non-hospital Medicaid providers and $2.5M for nursing training, directly funding essential public health services within existing fiscal framework.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $17.5M to non-hospital Medicaid providers and $2.5M for nursing training, expanding access and workforce development in healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hospitals Medicaid

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1069: Require emergency care providers to submit claims to third-party payors

LB 1069 requires emergency care providers (such as ambulance services and emergency clinics) to certify they have a policy for submitting billing claims to third-party payors like Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurers to qualify for state-funded emergency medical services grants. This applies specifically to providers seeking state grant assistance administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The bill defines "billing for services" as the regular submission of claims for reimbursement for both emergency and non-emergency medical care. The requirement is a condition for receiving state grants, and the bill repeals the previous version of the relevant statute.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires emergency providers to certify billing to insurers for state grant eligibility, ensuring reimbursement and supporting sustainable emergency care services.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jan 26, 2026

LB 775: Create the Rural Health Transformation Program within the Department of Health and Human Services

LB 775 creates the Rural Health Transformation Program within Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to improve healthcare in rural areas. The program directly affects rural healthcare providers, patients, and communities by focusing on increasing access, quality, and outcomes through specific mechanisms: supporting health innovations, strengthening provider sustainability, recruiting healthcare workers, developing new care models, and expanding digital health tools. It requires using federal funds received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) exclusively for these purposes, as specified in the bill's funding section. The program aims to transform rural healthcare delivery without specifying new taxes or mandatory requirements.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates Rural Health Transformation Program to improve rural healthcare access, quality, and provider sustainability through funding innovations and digital tools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1016: Require the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a demonstration project waiver for traditional healing services

LB 1016 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal waiver by July 1, 2026, to allow Medicaid reimbursement for traditional healing services. This bill directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries, particularly American Indian and Alaska Native communities, by enabling access to culturally grounded health practices previously excluded from coverage. Key provisions mandate tribal consultation in defining services and provider eligibility, ensure traditional healing does not replace standard Medicaid care, and require budget neutrality. The waiver aims to improve health equity through services developed with tribal nations, as specified in the bill's requirement for federal approval under Section 1115 of the Social Security Act.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid coverage to include traditional healing services for tribal communities, improving access to culturally appropriate healthcare.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1043: Include prescription antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants on the preferred drug list under the Medical Assistance Act

LB 1043 would amend Nebraska's Medical Assistance Act to remove an exclusion preventing antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants from being considered for inclusion on the state's preferred drug list. This change would allow the Department of Health to evaluate these medications for the preferred list based on therapeutic equivalence and cost-effectiveness (after rebates/discounts), rather than automatically excluding them. The bill directly affects Medicaid beneficiaries who use these prescription drugs, potentially making them more accessible and affordable under the program. It does not create new coverage but changes the process for adding these drug classes to the list.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRemoves exclusion of mental health medications from Medicaid preferred drug list, enabling coverage and improving patient access to antidepressants/antipsychotics.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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