Bill > S66

This bill aims to improve and streamline the children's medical security program, which provides primary and preventive health care services to uninsured dependent and adopted youths from birth through age 18 who are ineligible for other medical benefits. The program, to be administered by the secretary of health and human services, will cover essential services like preventive pediatric visits, well-child checkups with immunizations and screenings, primary care services from various authorized providers (excluding emergency or post-stabilization hospital care), and unlimited sick visits. Additionally, the bill expands coverage to include dental care (excluding cosmetic or surgical dentistry), durable medical equipment, urgent and emergency care at participating hospitals, eye and auditory screenings, outpatient surgery for specific procedures like tympanostomy tube placement and inguinal hernias, prescription drugs, and behavioral health services, with the secretary having discretion over specific benefit limitations. The bill also mandates that the division of medical assistance provide at least 30 days' notice to relevant committees and the secretary of administration and finance before modifying program benefits or eligibility standards that affect costs, including a detailed cost analysis per member. This change is intended to enhance transparency and oversight in program adjustments.