Healthcare (Medicaid)

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1222: Require insurance coverage of acquired brain injury services and require insurance and medicaid coverage of certain testing and treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia

This bill requires all health insurance policies and Medicaid in Nebraska to cover medically necessary treatments for acquired brain injuries (like those from stroke, trauma, or tumors) and specific Alzheimer's disease testing/treatments that slow progression. It mandates coverage for defined therapies including cognitive rehabilitation, neurobehavioral therapy, and community reintegration services without lifetime or annual limits that conflict with medical standards. Insurers must provide an expedited appeal process for denied coverage, resolved within five business days, with ongoing treatment continuing during appeals. The law directly affects insurers, Medicaid, and patients with qualifying brain injuries or Alzheimer's, ensuring access to critical care without arbitrary financial barriers.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates insurance/Medicaid coverage for brain injury and Alzheimer's treatments without coverage limits, expanding patient access to critical care services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid

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signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 962: Adopt the Youth Reentry and Transitional Support Act

LB 962 establishes the Youth Reentry and Transitional Support Act to support youth under 21 exiting juvenile detention, group homes, residential treatment programs, or probation supervision. The law requires state agencies to develop individualized transition plans within 60 days of custody, assign aftercare coordinators for up to 12 months post-release, and create individualized employment plans with career pathways. Key provisions include housing stabilization strategies, continuity of behavioral health and Medicaid services, credible messenger mentoring, and joint meetings between probation officers and coordinators. The program integrates existing state resources across the Department of Health and Human Services, Juvenile Services, Probation Administration, and the Department of Education.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes youth reentry support with transition plans, aftercare, and employment pathways to reduce recidivism and improve rehabilitation - direct criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires continuity of behavioral health services during youth reentry, directly supporting mental health access for vulnerable populations transitioning from detention.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly includes 'housing stabilization strategies' as a key provision in transition plans for youth exiting detention, directly advancing housing stability for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Probation & Parole Medicaid Mental Health

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1180: Provide for licenses to engage in intrastate medicaid nonemergency medical transportation services and provide that certain rates charged by certain motor carriers are not subject to regulation by the Public Service Commission

LB 1180 creates a new licensing system for companies providing intrastate Medicaid nonemergency medical transportation services in Nebraska. It directly affects transportation providers serving Medicaid patients by exempting their rates from regulation by the Public Service Commission. Key provisions include redefining "common carrier" to exclude Medicaid transportation providers and establishing license requirements under Section 75-311. The bill removes the need for rate approval by the Public Service Commission for these services when rates are set through agreements with state agencies.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts Medicaid transportation rates from regulation, improving access to healthcare services for patients by streamlining provider operations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 740: Adopt the Housing First Supportive Services Act and require the Department of Health and Human Services to seek federal approval for coverage under the Medical Assistance Act

This bill would allow Nebraska to cover supportive housing services through Medicaid by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to seek federal approval. It establishes a "Housing First" approach - providing permanent housing without conditions (like sobriety requirements) paired with voluntary support services such as housing transition, tenancy stabilization, and care coordination. The bill creates a dedicated fund to cover both Medicaid-eligible services and non-Medicaid housing costs (e.g., short-term rental assistance). It directly affects Nebraskans experiencing or at risk of homelessness by expanding access to stable housing with integrated support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund to cover housing services under Medicaid, allocating state funds for essential public housing programs.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeHousing First model provides unconditional housing + voluntary support services, reducing recidivism and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid coverage for housing services under Housing First model, directly funding supportive health services linked to mental health and homelessness.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds supportive housing via Medicaid, establishes Housing First approach to address homelessness with permanent housing and voluntary services, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Homelessness Renters

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Jan 26, 2026

LB 774: Create the Rural Health Transformation Program Fund to be administered by the Department of Health and Human Services

LB 774 creates a dedicated fund within Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to manage federal funds from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The fund directly supports rural Nebraska communities by providing resources to improve healthcare delivery systems, increase access to care, and enhance health outcomes. Key provisions require the Department to administer the fund using federal CMS dollars, invest unspent funds per state investment laws, and submit annual electronic reports to the Legislature detailing fund usage and results. This bill establishes a structured mechanism for utilizing federal health funding to address rural healthcare challenges.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates dedicated fund using CMS federal dollars to improve rural healthcare access, delivery systems, and outcomes, directly advancing healthcare services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 1229: Create the Rural Health Transformation Fund

LB 1229 creates a dedicated "Rural Health Transformation Fund" to hold federal funds from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Rural Health Transformation Program, authorized under federal law. The bill requires all applications for and expenditures of these federal funds to be electronically reported to the Legislature and posted publicly, including details on beneficiaries, outcomes, and metrics. It also prohibits using the fund to replace existing state rural health spending and mandates that applicants submit a sustainability plan before receiving funds. The bill strictly limits the fund's use to federal program-approved purposes only.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates dedicated fund for rural health transformation using federal funds, requires transparency in reporting, and prohibits replacing existing state rural health spending. This advances rural healthcare access and funding.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Medicare

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 750: State legislative intent relating to reimbursement for PACE program services under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act

Nebraska's LB 750 directs the Department of Health and Human Services to increase reimbursement rates for PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program services to at least 80% of the actual cost of care provided at PACE centers. This policy change directly affects PACE providers (who deliver comprehensive medical and social services to seniors) and the elderly beneficiaries enrolled in the program. The bill amends the Health Care Facility Licensure Act to establish this 80% reimbursement benchmark as legislative intent, requiring the state agency to adjust payment rates accordingly. It does not create new funding but mandates a specific reimbursement standard for existing Medicaid-covered PACE services.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases PACE reimbursement to 80% of actual costs, directly funding comprehensive elderly care services under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Long-Term Care Medicaid Medical Licensing

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signed · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 10, 2025

LB 41: Change provisions relating to blood tests for pregnant women

This Nebraska bill updates requirements for blood tests during pregnancy. It mandates that healthcare providers offer voluntary syphilis tests at the first prenatal visit, third trimester, and delivery, and voluntary HIV tests during pregnancy (with written refusal allowed). Providers must clearly inform patients about these tests and their right to decline. The bill also ensures Medicaid-covered individuals will have syphilis test costs covered by Medicaid funds, and test results must be reported to health officials without appearing on birth certificates.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates voluntary prenatal syphilis/HIV testing with Medicaid coverage, ensuring patient access and rights to decline tests.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 181: Provide for benefits under the Young Adult Bridge to Independence Act for young adults not lawfully present in the United States

This bill expands Nebraska's Young Adult Bridge to Independence program to include young adults not lawfully present in the U.S., removing immigration status as an eligibility barrier. It amends eligibility rules (effective January 2026) to allow these individuals - primarily youth aged 16-24 transitioning from foster care - to access medical care (including Medicaid options), housing support, and case management services. Key provisions require the Department of Health and Human Services to update state plans and ensure services like emergency medical care and foster care maintenance payments are provided regardless of immigration status. The bill directly affects vulnerable young adults in Nebraska's foster care system who would otherwise be excluded from this support.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands Medicaid access for non-lawfully present young adults (16-24 transitioning from foster care), removing immigration status barrier to medical care and case management services.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing support access for foster youth transitioning to independence, removing immigration barriers to housing assistance under the Young Adult Bridge to Independence program.90% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationExpands Nebraska's Young Adult Bridge to Independence program to include undocumented youth (16-24) in foster care, removing immigration status as a barrier for medical, housing, and case management services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid

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died · Nebraska · Legislature Apr 17, 2026

LB 639: Require dental plan carriers to meet a minimum dental loss ratio and provide a report

LB 639 requires dental insurance companies in Nebraska to spend at least 85% of premium revenue on patient care and administrative costs (not profits). Starting in 2026, these companies must meet this "dental loss ratio" and report their annual ratio to the state insurance department starting in 2027. If they fail to meet the 85% threshold, they must refund the excess premiums directly to policyholders. The bill does not apply to dental coverage provided through Medicaid.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires dental insurers to spend 85% of premiums on patient care (not profits), refunding excess premiums if threshold unmet, strengthening consumer protection in healthcare insurance coverage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Insurance Medicaid

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