The bill, known as the Medicaid Access and Quality Act, aims to address disparities in Medicaid reimbursement rates and improve healthcare access for Nebraska residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, and children. It establishes a new tax of six percent on the gross amount of non-Medicare direct writing premiums for health maintenance organizations, which will be directed to the newly created Medicaid Access and Quality Fund. This fund is intended to enhance rates paid to nonhospital providers of physical health services and support primary care providers serving target populations. The bill also mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services utilize the fund for specific purposes, including rate enhancements and support for primary care medical homes.

Additionally, the bill amends existing tax provisions for health maintenance organizations and prepaid limited health service organizations, ensuring they are subject to the new tax while maintaining certain exemptions. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining Medicaid practitioner fee schedule rates and prohibits reductions below the rates published as of July 1, 2024. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval, reflecting the urgency of improving healthcare access and quality in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 44-2702, 44-4726, 77-908
Final Reading: 44-4726, 77-908
Slip Law: 44-4726, 77-908