This bill amends section 68-994 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to establish specific requirements for long-term care clients with special needs under the medical assistance program in Nebraska. It prohibits the addition of long-term care services and supports to the Medicaid managed care program until July 1, 2023. The bill emphasizes the importance of continuity of care, program stability, and specialized oversight for these clients. It defines a "long-term care client with special needs" as a Medicaid recipient with complex or intensive medical or nursing needs that exceed the usual level of care provided in nursing facilities.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that skilled nursing facility and nursing facility services for long-term care clients with special needs be excluded from enrollment with Medicaid managed care organizations. These services will continue to be administered and reimbursed through fee-for-service Medicaid or other authorized delivery systems. The bill also stipulates that providers will not be required to enroll with managed care organizations to serve these clients and allows the department to amend Medicaid managed care contracts as necessary within six months of the bill's effective date. The original section 68-994 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-994
Final Reading: 68-994
Slip Law: 68-994