This bill amends the County Option Hospital Fee Program Act to clarify the regulations surrounding the fees imposed on hospitals by participating counties. It removes the existing requirement that these fees be subject to a cap determined by the Commissioner of Human Services, replacing it with a stipulation that the fees must instead undergo review and approval by the commissioner. This change maintains the commissioner’s authority to review and approve county option programs annually while ensuring that the fees do not exceed the aggregate amount specified in federal regulations, specifically 42 C.F.R. s.433.68(f)(3), minus one percent of total net patient revenues.

Additionally, the bill outlines that participating counties may exempt certain hospitals from the fee, provided that such exemptions comply with federal requirements. The bill emphasizes that the fees collected can only be utilized if they qualify as the State share of Medicaid program expenditures eligible for federal financial participation. Overall, the amendments aim to provide clearer guidelines for the implementation and oversight of the County Option Hospital Fee Program while ensuring compliance with federal law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:4D-7