Medicaid rate methodology clarified

A bill that requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to keep its Medicaid reimbursement rate methodology within its existing rules and regulations process passed Aug. 11.

LB1053, introduced by the Health and Human Services Committee, clarifies that any change to the methodology is considered substantive and requires rule and regulation-making proceedings under the Administrative Procedure Act.

LB1053 includes provisions of two additional bills. LB833, introduced by Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue, allows Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) facilities that meet DHHS licensure requirements to operate multiple centers under one license.

Provisions of LB1043, sponsored by Blair Sen. Ben Hansen, make several changes to state law governing receiverships of health care facilities, including reducing from 12 months to six the time allowed to terminate a receivership and requiring the closure or sale of a health care facility within 60 days of a court order.

Senators passed LB1053 on a 48-0 vote.