This bill amends section 68-949 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, to enhance the Medicaid nursing facility rate calculation and to establish a Money Follows the Person program. The bill specifies that the total amount appropriated for Medicaid nursing facility rates must be clearly identified in the state budget and used in rate calculations, including the annual inflation factor. It allows the Department of Health and Human Services to consider client needs and preferred settings when determining nursing facility rates. Additionally, the department is required to report annually on how the inflation factor was calculated and on any remaining unobligated appropriations for Medicaid nursing facility payments.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that by December 31, 2026, the department must submit an application to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to create a Money Follows the Person program. This program aims to assist qualified individuals in transitioning from institutional settings to community settings while still receiving long-term care. The original section 68-949 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 68-949