Healthcare

This bill appropriates $1 million from the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund for each of fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The funds are specifically designated for Program 33 to support the implementation of Legislative Bill 48 (which establishes Medicaid managed care reforms). The appropriation includes a $60,000 annual cap on salary and per diem expenses for the program. The bill becomes effective September 1, 2025, and directly affects Medicaid program administration.

This bill eliminates numerous state advisory groups, boards, and commissions - including the Climate Assessment Response Committee, Women's Health Initiative Advisory Council, and Palliative Care Act - and removes their funding. It also modifies department responsibilities, such as adjusting the Board of Mental Health Practice and the Department of Health and Human Services. The bill specifically terminates the Whiteclay Public Health Emergency Task Force and streamlines overlapping government structures by repealing obsolete provisions. These changes aim to simplify state agency operations by removing redundant entities and consolidating functions.

LB 319 adjusts Nebraska's eligibility rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by temporarily increasing the gross income threshold to 165% of the federal poverty guidelines (from the prior level) for qualifying residents. This change, effective until October 1, 2025, aims to expand access to SNAP benefits while maintaining work incentives - ensuring participants can keep benefits while seeking higher-paying jobs. The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a state outreach plan (partnering with nonprofits if needed), submit annual reports to the Legislature on program effectiveness, and evaluate administrative costs. It directly affects Nebraska residents seeking SNAP benefits, particularly those with incomes just above the previous threshold.

LB 326 amends Nebraska's insurance laws to update definitions and procedures under the Unfair Insurance Trade Practices Act and related statutes. It redefines key terms like "insurer" and "customer," changes the Director of Insurance's authority, and updates rules for claims, settlements, and annual reporting. The bill specifically eliminates the Health Insurance Access Act and Health Care Purchasing Pool Act, removing those frameworks from state law. These changes primarily affect insurance companies, consumers purchasing insurance, and the Nebraska Department of Insurance.