Post by Logan on Mar 28, 2016 23:58:39 GMT -6
Plan to expand Medicaid in Nebraska would have 'huge economic gains, huge human gains,' federal official says
LINCOLN — Expanding Nebraska’s Medicaid program could bolster access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for an estimated 21,000 people, according to a federal report Monday.
The report came out a day before state lawmakers are to begin debate today on the latest proposal to expand Medicaid, a state-federal health program for the poor, to more low-income Nebraskans.
Legislative Bill 1032, introduced by State Sen. John McCollister of Omaha, would accomplish the expansion by using Medicaid funds to buy private health insurance for some people and pay the employee share of insurance premiums for others.
The medically frail would be covered under regular Medicaid.
Richard Frank, assistant secretary for planning and evaluation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said the new report shows that Medicaid expansion proposals such as LB 1032 could help states meet the needs of people with behavioral health problems.
Read more: www.livewellnebraska.com/health/plan-to-expand-medicaid-in-nebraska-would-have-huge-economic/article_9fe745dc-f515-11e5-a8d1-2712c8b8d862.html
LINCOLN — Expanding Nebraska’s Medicaid program could bolster access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for an estimated 21,000 people, according to a federal report Monday.
The report came out a day before state lawmakers are to begin debate today on the latest proposal to expand Medicaid, a state-federal health program for the poor, to more low-income Nebraskans.
Legislative Bill 1032, introduced by State Sen. John McCollister of Omaha, would accomplish the expansion by using Medicaid funds to buy private health insurance for some people and pay the employee share of insurance premiums for others.
The medically frail would be covered under regular Medicaid.
Richard Frank, assistant secretary for planning and evaluation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said the new report shows that Medicaid expansion proposals such as LB 1032 could help states meet the needs of people with behavioral health problems.
Read more: www.livewellnebraska.com/health/plan-to-expand-medicaid-in-nebraska-would-have-huge-economic/article_9fe745dc-f515-11e5-a8d1-2712c8b8d862.html