Bill > LB1229

This bill establishes the Rural Health Transformation Fund, which will receive funds from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) specifically for the Rural Health Transformation Program, as authorized by federal law (Public Law 119-21). The money in this fund can only be used for the purposes outlined in that federal law, and the state legislature and governor cannot divert these funds to other state programs. The state investment officer will manage and invest any available money in the fund, with any earnings also being credited back to the fund. Applications for these federal funds on behalf of Nebraska must be electronically reported to the Clerk of the Legislature, and any money received must be used as approved in the application. The Department of Health and Human Services will post all awards and grants on its website, and the applicant must annually report all expenditures, including beneficiaries and outcomes, to the Clerk of the Legislature, who will then make this information publicly available on the Legislature's website. Importantly, funds from this new program cannot replace existing state spending on rural health from the previous fiscal year, and any initiative seeking money from the fund must have a sustainability plan approved before receiving funds. The bill also declares an emergency, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Budget and Finance

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=63380