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 non-Medicare direct writing premiums from 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 mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services utilize these funds to improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in rural areas.

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 also emphasizes that Medicaid practitioner fee schedule rates should not be reduced below the levels established as of July 1, 2024. The act is set to take effect immediately upon approval, reflecting the urgency of addressing healthcare access challenges in Nebraska.

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