Proposed Medicaid expansion plan released today raises significant concerns

LINCOLN—Today, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services released their proposed plan for implementing Medicaid expansion, a Section 1115 waiver known as the Heritage Health Adult Program. The proposed waiver includes a two-tiered benefits system, work and wellness requirements, and changes to retroactive eligibility.

“Nebraskans are needlessly waiting for lifesaving coverage while the Department chooses to experiment with a Section 1115 waiver that is incredibly confusing and imposes additional barriers and reduced benefits. It is especially concerning that work requirements have been included in this proposal, especially when work requirements have been shown to be expensive, burdensome, and legally suspect.” said Molly McCleery, Nebraska Appleseed’s Health Care Access Program Director. “Nebraskans voted to implement Medicaid expansion with their neighbors, friends, and family in mind. It’s time to honor the vote of the people and swiftly begin the program without barriers or unnecessary experiments.”

For the next month, Nebraskans have the opportunity to raise their concerns on the proposed waiver at public hearings held across Nebraska and through written comments. The hearings are at the following times and locations:

Tuesday, October 29 in Scottsbluff: Scottsbluff High School, Board Room (313 E. 27th St.), 7-8:30pm MT
Wednesday, October 30 in Kearney: Kearney Public Library, South Platte Room (2020 1st Ave.), 6:45-8:15pm CT
Thursday, November 7 in Norfolk: Norfolk Public Library, Meeting Room A (308 W Prospect Ave.) 6-7:30pm CT
Tuesday, November 12 in Omaha: UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service, Room 132 (6320 Maverick Plaza), 7-8:30pm CT

Read more: https://neappleseed.org/blog/28530