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 collected starting January 1, 2026. The revenue generated from this tax will be directed to the newly created Medicaid Access and Quality Fund, which is intended to enhance rates paid to nonhospital providers of physical health services and support primary care providers serving target populations.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific uses for the Medicaid Access and Quality Fund, including a commitment of $40 million annually to improve reimbursement rates for nonhospital providers and $5 million annually to support primary care medical homes. The legislation also emphasizes the importance of maintaining existing Medicaid practitioner fee schedule rates and allows the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt necessary regulations for implementation. The bill is set to take effect immediately due to the declaration of an emergency.

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