Bill to slow Medicaid changes advanced

A bill intended to slow proposed Medicaid changes in Nebraska advanced from general file March 6.

LB854, introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, would prohibit the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) from releasing a request for proposals relating to procurement of Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) prior to Sept. 1, 2015.

Krist said DHHS actively has been pursuing MLTSS since last fall but has not gathered adequate input from the medical community and other stakeholders. Implementing managed care for individuals with long-term illnesses and those in retirement homes can be especially complicated, he said.

“This bill is asking them to delay that process … and to do it correctly,” Krist said.

Senators advanced the bill to select file 29-0.