This bill outlines the intent of the Nebraska Legislature regarding appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for Medicaid nursing facility rates. Specifically, it states that the total amount appropriated for these rates will be $462,480,546 for the fiscal year 2025-26 and $476,717,026 for the fiscal year 2026-27. The bill emphasizes that these funds should be utilized in the Medicaid nursing facility rate calculation, including the annual inflation factor, and should also cover rate enhancements and other related services.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services submit two reports: one by August 1, 2025, detailing how the inflation factor for FY2025-26 was calculated, and another between December 15 and December 31, 2025, identifying any remaining unobligated appropriations from prior Medicaid nursing facility payments, along with encumbrances and retroactive payments. The bill is declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately upon passage and approval.