The bill appropriates funds from the general fund to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the fiscal year 2025-2026, focusing on enhancing services for veterans, the elderly, and children. Key allocations include $1,369,205 for the Department of Veterans Affairs administration, $19,208,180 for aging programs, and $1,900,804,677 for the medical assistance program. The bill emphasizes the importance of matching funds from local agencies and includes provisions for reporting and compliance. It also specifies that funds for medical assistance shall not be used for abortions unless authorized, reflecting the state's stance on reproductive health funding.

Additionally, the bill introduces a hospital directed payment program, requiring HHS to seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and allowing for assessments on hospitals to fund the program. It mandates the development of a new reimbursement methodology for nursing facilities by April 1, 2026, and eliminates the option for HHS to select a program administrator for the maternal support program, requiring direct administration instead. The bill also establishes guidelines for reimbursement rates and includes provisions for child care assistance, early intervention programs, and child protective services, while prohibiting the use of funds for sex reassignment surgery or treatment related to gender dysphoria. Overall, the bill aims to enhance health and human services in the state while ensuring fiscal responsibility and compliance with federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 231.56A, 8.33, 123.17, 17A.4