Low-income prenatal care program approved

Senators gave final approval April 11 to a bill that will establish a program to offer prenatal services to low-income women in Nebraska regardless of immigration status.

Under LB599, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Kathy Campbell, the state Department of Health and Human Services is required to establish a program under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) solely for the unborn children of mothers who are ineligible for coverage under Medicaid.

Eligibility for service will be determined using an income budgetary methodology of no greater than 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

Benefits will include:
• laboratory testing;
• outpatient hospital care;
• pharmaceuticals and prescription vitamins;
• radiology, ultrasound and other necessary imaging;
• services related to conditions that could complicate the pregnancy; and
• professional fees and hospital costs related to labor and delivery.

The bill requires the department, within 30 days of passage of LB599, to seek federal approval of a state plan amendment or waiver for Nebraska’s program.

The bill passed on a 31-15 vote.