Medicaid coverage for blood pressure monitoring services proposed

The Health and Human Services Committee considered a bill Feb. 26 that would broaden coverage of self-measured blood pressure services for Medicaid recipients.

LB365, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Dan Quick, would expand Nebraska Medicaid coverage for self-measured blood pressure monitoring by Jan. 1, 2026, to include clinical support services.

Under the bill, covered services for Medicaid recipients would include a monitoring device, initial and replacement cuffs, patient education and training on device set up and use and data collection and reporting to a health care provider to create or modify treatment plans.

Quick said nearly half of all Americans over age 20 have high blood pressure, but many are not aware of it. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring is associated with reduced blood pressure and improved blood pressure control, he said, but a lack of coverage for clinical support services is a barrier to broad use.

“LB365 addresses that barrier and will help the patient … better manage their blood pressure,” Quick said.

Jill Duis, a retired medical professional, testified in support. She said the bill would provide Medicaid coverage for essential services that allow physicians to continually monitor their patient’s blood pressure and provide treatment plans that ensure better health outcomes.

A stroke survivor herself, Duis said she must take daily blood pressure measurements that are sent directly to her health care team for review.

“In addition to stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure can also result in a heart attack, heart failure or kidney failure,” she said. “[Which] is why managing high blood pressure is critical.”

Representing the American Heart Association, Brian Krannawitter also supported the bill. He said the measure would be a critical step toward empowering patients to manage their high blood pressure effectively.

No one spoke in opposition to LB365 and the committee took no immediate action.