This bill amends the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act to enhance provisions related to loan repayments and financial assistance for healthcare professionals, particularly dentists providing services to Medicaid patients. It establishes the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund, which will now include loan repayments under the Rural Health Systems and Professional Incentive Act as one of its purposes. The bill also restates the objectives of the Act, including the creation of a loan repayment program specifically for dentists who agree to serve Medicaid patients, and modifies the financial assistance amounts available to various healthcare professionals.

Key changes include the introduction of a new loan repayment program for dentists, allowing them to receive up to $60,000 per year for five years, with a maximum of $300,000 in total. Additionally, the bill outlines eligibility criteria for loan repayment recipients, including requirements for practicing in designated health profession shortage areas and accepting Medicaid patients. The legislation also specifies that agreements made under this program will be exempt from the State Procurement Act and includes provisions for penalties if recipients breach their agreements. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to healthcare services in underserved areas of Nebraska by incentivizing healthcare professionals to practice in those regions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-996, 71-5650, 71-5652, 71-5662, 71-5663, 71-5668