LB 970 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to submit a state plan amendment seeking federal approval to add early literacy promotion and intervention services to well-child visits under the existing Medicaid Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program. This change would directly affect children under 21 covered by Nebraska Medicaid who receive routine well-child checkups. The bill mandates that these visits include screenings and interventions for early literacy development, integrating this service into the current EPSDT framework. The key mechanism is the submission of a state plan amendment to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for approval. This policy change would expand the scope of preventive services provided during standard pediatric visits for Medicaid-eligible children.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LB 64 changes Nebraska's rules for Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) policies. It requires insurers to offer these policies to people under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability (not just those 65+), and establishes an annual 30-day open enrollment period starting January 1, 2026, based on the applicant's birthday. During this period, insurers cannot deny coverage, charge more based on health status, or exclude preexisting conditions. Premiums for under-65 disability enrollees can be up to 150% of the standard rate for those 65+, but must be actuarially sound and not unfairly discriminatory.
LB 410 requires most health insurance policies in Nebraska to cover medically necessary prosthetics (like artificial limbs) and orthotics (custom devices for body parts, such as braces) as prescribed by a doctor. It applies to individual/group health plans, hospital/surgical policies, and self-funded employer plans (where federal law doesn’t block it), matching the coverage level provided under Medicare for these items. The bill prohibits annual or lifetime dollar limits specifically for prosthetics/orthotics (though standard deductibles may still apply) and ensures access to care from non-contracted specialists. This directly affects Nebraskans with insurance who need these medical devices, ensuring coverage aligns with Medicare standards without additional financial barriers for these specific services.
LB 55 allocates $1.5 million from the Hospital Quality Assurance and Access Assessment Fund for FY2025-26 to maintain Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health providers who serve patients eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare (dual-eligible). It specifically ensures these providers - those not practicing in hospitals - are paid at current Medicaid rates for behavioral health services (Program 348) when Medicare rates are lower. The bill directly affects mental health providers serving dual-eligible Medicaid/Medicare patients by preventing reduced payments. Note: This bill was amended into LB261 on June 6, 2025, and is no longer active.
