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.
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 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.
This bill requires Nebraska state employers to provide paid maternity leave to employees who give birth or adopt a child. Full-time state employees would receive six weeks of paid leave, while part-time employees would receive leave proportional to their regular work schedule. The leave must be taken within six months of the child's birth or adoption, and employees must return to their original position or an equivalent role after leave. The bill also prohibits retaliation against employees who use this leave and ensures continued benefits during the leave period.
LB 912, the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act, establishes a state system to recognize community health worker (CHW) training programs that meet minimum quality standards. It directly affects CHW training programs and the workers they prepare, enabling these programs to qualify for reimbursement by Medicaid and private insurers. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to develop rules by December 2026 defining core competencies, application processes, fees, and oversight for program endorsement. Crucially, it clarifies that this endorsement does not create licensure or certification for CHWs, nor does it expand the scope of practice for licensed health professionals. The key change is creating a standardized pathway for CHW services to be covered by insurance, improving access to community-based health support.
LB 1235 updates Nebraska's medical cannabis laws by amending the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Patient Protection Act and Nebraska Medical Cannabis Regulation Act. It establishes a patient and caregiver registry, creates a directory of healthcare practitioners who can recommend cannabis, and sets licensing requirements for practitioners and cannabis businesses. The bill introduces sales tax on medical cannabis (separate from marijuana taxes), outlines commission powers for regulation and enforcement, and defines key terms like "qualified patient" and "allowable amount." These changes directly affect medical cannabis patients, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.
LB 1212 creates two new license types for internationally trained physicians in Nebraska who completed medical education outside the U.S. It allows a "limited license" (valid up to 6 years total) requiring supervision by a participating health care entity (like a hospital or health center) and completion of a state-approved assessment program. A "restricted license" would permit independent practice in designated health profession shortage areas after meeting the same requirements. The bill requires physicians to hold ECFMG certification, pass USMLE steps 1 and 2, maintain valid U.S. work authorization, and be employed by a participating entity during the limited license period. This directly affects internationally trained physicians seeking to practice medicine in Nebraska, particularly in underserved rural or urban areas.
