Bill > LB472

This bill, known as the Medicaid Redesign Act, aims to improve the state's medical assistance program, which is a significant part of state healthcare spending, by transforming it into a high-quality and cost-efficient system. It establishes a Medicaid Redesign Task Force to coordinate services for individuals receiving medical assistance, particularly those with complex health needs referred to as "superutilizers" and "special populations," with the goal of improving their quality of life and reducing costs. The bill also proposes developing a Medicaid demonstration waiver, a special program approved by the federal government, to allow for innovative healthcare delivery models and leverage enhanced federal funding for newly eligible individuals, defined as those who become eligible for Medicaid due to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and meet specific age and income criteria (between 0% and 133% of the federal poverty level). The task force will review existing successful programs, explore federal opportunities, and recommend strategies for cost savings and quality improvement, including a focus on patient-centered medical homes, which are healthcare systems where patients have an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider team for comprehensive and coordinated care. The Department of Health and Human Services will apply for the waiver, which will include a private premium assistance program for those with incomes between 100% and 133% of the federal poverty level, and will also establish health homes for medically frail individuals, superutilizers, and special populations, providing intensive care management and navigation services through multidisciplinary teams. The bill also outlines requirements for monthly contributions from some newly eligible individuals, with incentives for preventive care, and mandates that the department submit the waiver application within twelve months of the act's effective date, while also implementing a state plan amendment for immediate coverage.