We know that Nebraskans and our communities are healthier when everyone has equitable access to quality, affordable health care. This legislative session, a number of important bills passed to improve access to health care through Nebraska’s Medicaid program. Learn more about some of the positive changes below.
Language Access is Critical for Health Care Access
✅ LB62, introduced by Senator Machaela Cavanaugh, removes language barriers between patients and providers by requiring that translation and interpretation services are reimbursed under Medicaid. By ensuring language services are accessible, LB62 will increase access to health care, improve health outcomes, and reduce health care costs.
Data Transparency
LB62 was amended to include LB871 (M. Cavanaugh) and LB1237 (M. Cavanaugh), which will require more thorough reporting for the state’s Medicaid and TANF programs.
Increased Maternal Health Services
✅ LB857, introduced by Senator George Dungan, seeks to improve Medicaid prenatal care services for at-risk pregnant people, which will help improve outcomes for babies and moms.
✅ LB1106, introduced by Senator Jen Day, improves access to lactation consulting services for Nebraskans with Medicaid so that newborns and their families have the resources they need. Many Nebraskans face barriers to breastfeeding, including a lack of support and access to resources.
✅ LB1107, introduced by Senator Jen Day, improves access to breast pumps for Nebraskans with Medicaid so that newborns and their families have the resources they need. Breastfeeding can provide benefits and improved health outcomes to both babies and moms.
Improving Access to Dental Care
✅ LB358, introduced by Senator Lynne Walz, increases reimbursement rates for Medicaid dental services. Increased provider rates is linked to increased provider participation in the Medicaid program, and therefore increased enrollee access to dental services.
We look forward to each of these bills being implemented to improve access to health care for Nebraskans with Medicaid. Reach out to your senator to thank them for improving access to health care this session!