Video & Transcript Research : 'coverage requirements'
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It would require the board to submit a final report to the legislature. Number 1st, 2026.
- It will not change the requirements on how to become a school psychologist in Texas.
- It relates to prohibiting a person required to register as a sex offender from serving as a member of
- Generally, House Bill 3629 would prohibit persons who are required to register as sex offenders.
- So do you have any idea what type of coverage charter schools currently have?
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:12:55.600>
of uh um quite Broad in its coverage of uh um quite Broad in its coverage of - <00:35:00.320>
education and it fails to require education and it fails to require education - >
choices <00:35:03.560>and requiring uh regarding all choices and requiring uh regarding - substitute there that's not a require substitute there that's not a require enement<01:14:25.480
- I didn't think it would have to require I didn't think it would have to require it<01:15:27.480>
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Tax, Business and Transportation Feb 17th, 2026 at 05:06 pm
Senate Tax, Business & Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- the audience, so we are going to go ahead and move on to House Bill 38, the wheelchair insurance coverage
- This bill would allow coverage for up to two CRTs.
- It's going very well, but essentially it's to require street, highway, bridge, road, utility, and light
- But it's not a requirement. There's no state law saying that you have to do that.
- It doesn't change the Real ID requirements that the federal government has set.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
Legislative Finance Sub Committee Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- As a requirement, of course, for any program, the first question is: who is eligible?
- Unlike other MAT options, methadone requires specific certification and accreditation.
- But to start this program requires a lot of planning and collaboration, especially given that part of
- Eligible to ensure that those people are still getting Medicaid coverage or getting coverage through
- To talk about recidivism, it requires a lot of data points.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Tribal and State Relations Committee Apr 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- A 165-page document with all sorts of laws and legal requirements.
- Importantly, these waivers must meet certain minimum requirements, including being cost...
- I've listed some of these requirements here, and I don't think we have to discuss them in depth, but
- Again, some of these requirements go to the issue of whether these large facilities are in a position
- “It was possible because they eliminated one disease from coverage.
Summary:
The meeting focused heavily on behavioral health and substance use treatment, especially the IMD exclusion and whether North Dakota should pursue a Section 1115 waiver to allow Medicaid reimbursement for services in institutions for mental diseases for adults ages 21 to 64. Turtle Mountain representatives described major local needs, including limited access to care, high syphilis rates, and the importance of timely public health data. They also discussed the tribe’s recovery center, which opened the prior year, now operating five levels of care with 16 beds, and the desire to expand capacity, possibly through an IMD waiver or related policy changes. Committee members also raised related issues such as rural health transformation funding, telehealth, workforce retention, and the need for better coordination between tribal and state public health systems.
A central issue was Turtle Mountain Public Health’s long-running effort to secure a data use agreement with the state so it can receive surveillance data and respond directly to infectious disease cases among tribal members. Speakers said the tribe had a successful COVID-era agreement that allowed faster contact tracing and case management, but that agreement ended with the pandemic. They argued that current delays in sharing data, especially for sexually transmitted infections, leave the tribe unable to respond quickly, while the state and county epidemiology workload is too distant and stretched to be effective. Committee members expressed support and said they would look into the issue, noting that other tribes have secured similar agreements.
The committee also heard a detailed presentation from the National Health Law Program on the IMD exclusion. The presenter explained that federal Medicaid law generally bars payment for care in facilities with more than 16 beds, but that states can use other tools such as state plan amendments, managed care arrangements, telehealth, and community-based services. He said IMD waivers are administratively complex, time-limited, and have shown mixed results in other states, with some gains in residential treatment access but limited evidence of improved overdose outcomes or stronger community-based care. He urged the committee to consider broader continuum-of-care solutions and cautioned that waivers alone are not a cure-all.
No final vote was taken on the bill draft during the portion shown, but the committee discussed the proposal to appropriate $49,000 and one FTE to HHS to pursue an IMD waiver and report back in the next interim. Members also debated the policy rationale for the 16-bed limit, the role of the state versus tribal sovereignty, and whether the bill should move through the Health Care or Human Services committee in the future.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (8-12-25) - Reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- of people who require those services. of people who require those services.
- Yeah, I want to make sure needed to meet a requirement or required can be two different things.
- are not required by statute? are not required by statute?
- <00:16:03.040>
or <00:16:03.360>required needed to meet a requirement or required needed - to meet a requirement or required can<00:16:04.240>
be <00:16:04.399>two <00:16:04.720>
Summary:
The Government Contracts Committee met with a quorum and approved the July 8 minutes. It then deferred several items from the July agenda, including a Kentucky Education Television contract because the vendor was not yet registered with the Secretary of State, and a University of Louisville contract at the university’s request. The committee also deferred a behavioral health memorandum of agreement and later a Department of Community Based Services contract after questions were raised about the scope of services and the need for additional information.
The most extensive discussion involved the Seven Counties Services contract with the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities. Committee members questioned why the state continues to contract with Seven Counties despite its bankruptcy and pension-related liabilities, how the funding split was determined, whether the services are statutorily required, and whether the state or another provider could deliver the services more efficiently. Agency representatives said Seven Counties is the sole provider of core community mental health services in its region, serves about 24,500 people, and that service needs and acuity remain high even as the number served has declined. A cabinet attorney said the bankruptcy dispute is ongoing and involves roughly $20 million in contested retirement contributions, though members suggested the amount may be higher.
Members also raised broader concerns about whether local governments, especially Metro Louisville, should contribute more toward services tied to social determinants of health, and whether the contract includes services beyond what statute requires. The committee requested additional information on the contract scope and possible offsets or recovery of unfunded liabilities, and then voted to defer the Seven Counties contract to the next meeting. The committee also heard a separate DCBS presentation on the Youth Villages Intercept program, where staff explained it was selected because it is an approved evidence-based Family First prevention service, provides intensive in-home and foster care stabilization services, and is headquartered in Tennessee but operates across Kentucky; members asked for clarification on Medicaid billing and additional funding needs.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- At multiple insurance companies, they have proposed resolutions to require the insurers to track greenhouse
- And then in August of 2024, Chubb withdrew its insurance coverage for the.
- Some reporting requirements are modified.
- Because they can't meet their requirements to report on Scope 3 that California has.
- Again, current law requires local district attorneys.
Keywords:
public school funding, education, budget allocation, financial transparency, state law, local control, fiduciary responsibility, public retirement systems, investment management, proxy voting, financial factors, insurance, political shareholder proposals, fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental regulation, discrimination, credit extension, social credit, value-based standards
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Select Committee on Pension Policy May 20th, 2025
Select Committee on Pension Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- into your microphones because we will have this recorded and TVW will be providing a live stream coverage
- into your microphones because we will have this recorded, and TVW will be providing a live stream coverage
- published, you know, a week or two in advance of the actual meeting, so well in advance of the OPMA requirements
- kind of the three that I noted that might be... ...actual meeting, so well in advance of the OPMA requirements
Summary:
The Select Committee on Pension Policy executive committee met to approve the November minutes, which were adopted by voice vote. The committee then received an update from the Attorney General’s Office on two ongoing cases, Fowler and Joel Lynn, with briefing and oral argument timelines still pending. Michael Harbour of the Office of the State Actuary provided an actuarial update focused on ESSB 5357, explaining that the bill raised the assumed investment return from 7% to 7.25%, suspended UAL contribution rates for four years, and changed amortization for past benefit improvements; members asked for clarification on how those changes would affect long-term funding and contribution rates, especially for Plan 1 systems.
A substantial portion of the meeting was devoted to committee discussion of interim priorities and the need for more analysis of recent pension legislation. Members emphasized the importance of understanding the fiscal impacts of ESSB 5357 and related pension changes before the September economic experience study, and several asked staff to provide a more preliminary walkthrough of the bill’s effects. The committee also discussed the LEOFF 1 study and broader questions about overfunding, including when a plan should be considered overfunded and whether overfunding should be addressed through merger or closure proposals. One member suggested reviewing the operating budget’s excess compensation proviso during the interim as well.
Staff reviewed the draft 2025 interim work plan, proposing June topics including election of officers, a presentation on SB 5357 and its actuarial implications, and an initial LEOFF 1 study kickoff based on SB 5085 and HB 2034. The committee also placed excess compensation and demographic experience study items in a parking lot for possible later scheduling. The June agenda was adopted by roll call vote, with three ayes and three members absent or excused, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
House Chamber - Fri Feb 28, 2025, 12:00PM HST - Day 24
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I believe coverage should be something that is available to all.
- I believe coverage should be something that is available to all.
- Thank you. ...order around infertility procedures and possibly coverage for these procedures, if there
- My concern is to afford non-citizens to receive Medicaid coverage, and I would suggest that there are
- and I would um receive Medicaid coverage and I would suggest<00:35:52.079>
that <00:35:52.280>
Summary:
The House convened with 47 members present, read the journal, and received Senate communications, including notice that House Bill 1440, HD1 had passed third reading in the Senate and that several Senate bills were transmitted and passed first reading by title. Members also made introductions recognizing guests for Working Families Day 2025, including advocates and organizers, and welcomed visitors from Khu Valley, as well as family members and community advocates in the gallery.
The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the order of the day and adoption of numerous standing committee reports and accompanying bills, many of which were passed by voice vote or consent calendar. Several members registered reservations or opposition on specific measures, with comments focused on fertility coverage and the prepaid health care system, low-income tax policy, youth safe spaces and runaway youth, prenatal care for non-citizens, and fireworks regulation. In a few cases, members requested that their remarks be entered into the journal, and one member clarified a vote change on SCR 972 after the vote had been read.
The House also took third-reading votes on additional bills listed on later pages, with the majority and minority caucuses announcing their votes and a few named no votes on particular measures. No resolutions were introduced for action. During announcements, members wished Representative Amato and staff members happy birthday. The House then voted to keep the journal open until midnight for further committee reports and transmitted bills, and finally recessed until 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4th.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Because of the type of insurance and the additional burden of tail coverage, the cost of joining the
- It is secondary coverage.
- And this provides that future, and there's a requirement, of course, that future medicals be paid.
- We're talking about staffing requirements.
- Madam Chair, that's correct, and also for a reporting requirement, because there's a reporting requirement
Keywords:
medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Just from a competition standpoint, do they put a value on that coverage?
- It sounded like 65 on that coverage?
- It requires that the governing board is comprised of elected officials from the member communities of
- that the governing board is it requires that the governing board is is<01:17:57.160>
comprised - ,<01:18:04.240>
it And so, within that that requirement, it And so, within that that requirement
Keywords:
local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- What's happening now is, with this, uh, administration, they're requiring that, well, let me back up.
- Step therapy is where an insurer requires a patient, this example being cancer situations, to take drug
- Step therapy is where an insurer requires a patient, this example being cancer situations, to take drug
- Step therapy is where<00:03:25.440>
an <00:03:25.560>insurer <00:03:26.320>requires< - /c> where an insurer requires where an insurer requires a<00:03:27.600>
patient a patient a patient
Summary:
The committee considered several House bills, most of them already passed by the Senate or previously vetted in other committees. House Bill 1075 would expand access for low-income housing authorities and related entities to participate in insurance pooling arrangements, with the sponsor explaining it would help lower insurance costs as housing funding structures shift toward public-private partnerships. House Bill 565, renamed “Jill’s Law,” would advance biomarker testing and related Medicaid/prior authorization conforming changes; House Bill 856 would remove a repealer from the state’s anti-step-therapy law after hearings found the cost impact negligible; and House Bill 939 would extend the repealer on the volunteer firefighters’ Length of Service Award Program, which was described as needing ongoing funding to retain and recruit volunteers.
The committee also heard House Bill 1019, which would expand health coverage options for small businesses, professionals, and self-employed people through access to regulated trade association self-funded group health plans. House Bill 1117 would create a transparency requirement for dental insurance by reporting premium-to-services information to the insurance commissioner and making it available in a portal; the sponsor said the Dental Association supports it. House Bill 1332 would require insurance examinations to meet National Association of Insurance Commissioners standards and best practices, and a member said he would vote present but the bill was said not to affect existing continuing education rules.
Finally, House Bill 1713 would codify Mississippi Military Department authority to oversee state-sponsored life insurance for National Guard members, with the Adjutant General designated as state sponsor; it was described as voluntary, already operating since 1962, and without a fiscal note because it is paid for by guardsmen. Each bill received a motion to do pass or title sufficient to pass, was approved without opposition or with only a present vote noted on one bill, and the committee then voted to rise and report.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Session Daily Update: Legislative activity during interim Dec 30th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- can follow along with everything happening at the legislature with our nonpartisan Session Daily coverage
- 00:01:20.880>
daily with our nonpartisan session daily with our nonpartisan session daily coverage - coverage at house.mn.gov/ession. coverage at house.mn.gov/ession. GV/sessionaily.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Human Services May 21st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- payments as part of the existing statutorily required quarterly reports on rate reform, which are required
- These are existing requirements that providers must meet already, but these requirements have not previously
- He requires 24-hour monitoring.
- He requires 24-hour monitoring.
- He requires 24-hour monitoring.
Summary:
The hearing began with opening remarks on the Governor’s May Revision for child care and human services, with committee members and advocates stressing that the budget should not be balanced on the backs of low-income families, children, and providers. Legislative members and public witnesses strongly opposed the proposed suspension of the child care COLA, reductions to the Emergency Child Care Bridge Program, and the lack of codified rate reform tied to the alternative methodology. Several speakers also urged more support for providers affected by the Eaton fire and other disasters, and called for child care to be funded at the true cost of care and for additional slots to be restored.
Administration, LAO, and Department of Education staff described the child care proposal as maintaining existing funding levels while adding administrative resources to prepare for federally required prospective payment changes and single-rate reform. The administration said the May Revision would suspend the 2025–26 COLA and reduce Bridge Program funding to align with utilization, while the LAO raised questions about the size and purpose of the proposed rate-reform and prospective-payment funding and recommended rejecting a Department of Technology exemption. CDE supported continued early education investments but said it would need additional resources if prospective pay were extended to state preschool, and it objected to a proposed reallocation of preschool funds for inclusive education grants.
The committee then moved to the IHSS portion of the May Revision. DSS outlined five major proposals: capping provider work hours at 50 per week, eliminating IHSS for undocumented adults age 19 and older, shifting certain Community First Choice reassessment penalties to counties, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test as a conforming IHSS reduction, and automating the termination of IHSS when Medi-Cal eligibility ends. DSS also discussed funding to implement a federal HCBS access rule and a separate reassessment of IHSS administrative methodology that found counties would need additional administrative funding. Finance said the proposals were intended to slow program growth and improve sustainability, while the LAO said it was still analyzing the package and raised concerns about implementation, county workload, and the potential loss of services.
Committee members and public commenters criticized the IHSS cuts, especially the overtime cap and the elimination of services for undocumented adults and people affected by the asset test. Advocates argued that IHSS workers and recipients depend on these services, that county administration is already underfunded, and that the proposals could destabilize vulnerable consumers. The chair closed by saying the committee would continue to fight for child care and would not pause on child care, and the meeting recessed before moving on to the remaining May Revision items.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 2, 2025 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- This legal process would require the property owner to file through the courts a motion, which can take
- crowd, because she might be injured, and these vendors will have concerns about their insurance coverage
- So, have concerns about their insurance coverage.
- Garden leave agreements resemble traditional non-compete agreements but require the employer to continue
- It requires education, prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement efforts.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee took up a long agenda of 20 bills, beginning with CS/HB 1173 on the Florida Trust Code, which clarified that the Florida Attorney General is the only public official with standing to enforce charitable trusts administered in Florida; it was amended and reported favorably. The committee also unanimously or near-unanimously approved several claims and relief bills, including HB 6507 for Marcus Button, HB 6523 for Darlene Engerville and J.R., HB 6525 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, HB 6529 for J.N., and HB 6519 for the estate of Beniel Hambier, all involving settlements or compensation for injuries or wrongful death. Other measures reported favorably included CS/HB 213 on commercial squatters, CS/HB 1447 on trespass at large-scale ticketed events, CS/HB 515 updating the Uniform Commercial Code for virtual currency and related technologies, CS/HB 1007 on gift card fraud, CS/HB 1049 on protection of court officials, CS/HB 1219 on non-compete and garden leave agreements, CS/HB 399 on stolen valor in the ethics code, CS/HB 57 on xylazine regulation, HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/HB 265 on enforcing terrorism-related judgments against frozen assets. Most of these bills had support from industry, law enforcement, or affected parties and passed with little or no opposition.
The most contested measure was CS/HB 1517, which would expand Florida’s wrongful death statute to include parents of unborn children as survivors. Supporters argued it would allow families to recover damages when negligence causes the loss of a pregnancy, while opponents—including the ACLU of Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, reproductive rights advocates, and some committee members—warned it could be used to advance fetal personhood, chill medical care, and empower abusive partners or others to sue over abortion-related conduct. The sponsor said the bill remained within the wrongful death framework and included protections for mothers and lawful medical providers, but the committee still reported it favorably on a 14-6 vote. CS/HB 903, a corrections bill addressing inmate litigation, sentencing, execution methods, tracking devices, health services, and offender review appointments, also drew debate over a proposed tolling amendment and due process concerns; the amendment failed and the bill passed 16-5. CS/HB 57 on xylazine likewise saw debate over whether penalties should target users or traffickers, but the committee rejected a narrowing amendment and passed the bill 20-1.
Several bills were amended in committee, often with technical or clarifying changes, including CS/HB 1219, HB 1351 on sexual offender and predator registration, and HB 901. Public testimony was generally supportive on the non-controversial bills, especially from law enforcement, business groups, and affected claimants. At the end of the meeting, Rep. Gottlieb offered a personal correction, acknowledging he had wrongly criticized FOP in a prior meeting after learning the organization had, in fact, contacted him. The committee then adjourned after completing the full agenda.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
December 2, 2025 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- It establishes a uniform commercial construction permit application and requires the use and it establishes
- You have structural you have other requirements that are done in an application form versus multiple.
- We do have one 61.0, 0, 5, 3, 5, which this legislature passed several years ago, which requires of all
- This bill just unsure of the professionals who are required to safely manage damage.
- What was the requirement there? >> You're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Apr 17th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- SENATORS, UNDER TAB SEVEN CS FOR SB 924, COVERAGE FOR FERTILITY FOR PRESERVATION SERVICES, SENATOR CALATAYUD
- DeCeglie: THIS REQUIRES THE HOMESTEAD PROPERTY MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS, ELIGIBLE PROPERTY
- Harrell: WITH EVERY REQUIREMENT OF PARTNERSHIPS WITH OUR TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND STATE COLLEGES WHICH
- WHAT WOULD BE THE REQUIREMENTS IF THIS BILL DOESN'T SET IN STATUTE ANY OF THOSE REQUIREMENTS, WHAT WOULD
- THOSE REQUIREMENTS BE AND PRESUMABLY THE DEPARTMENT WOULD SET GOES, IS THAT WHAT I'M HEARING?
MI
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 6-071, a bill to require hospitals to develop and implement financial assistance programs
- House Bill 6071, a bill to require hospitals to develop and implement financial assistance programs for
- health insurance, small businesses are making very difficult choices to be able to still provide coverage
- Some having to decide to take that coverage away altogether.
- The SAVE Act would require people to show proof of citizenship that matches their current legal name,
Summary:
The Senate convened with an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance, and attendance showing a quorum. Several senators were excused, and the chamber received communications including House Concurrent Resolution 8, which was referred to the Committee on Government Operations. The Senate also took up introductions and referrals of several bills, including Senate Bills 1078-1082 and House Bills 4727, 4728, 4729, 4959, 1545, 5254, 5255, 6071, 6072, and 6073, with most being referred to committees or, for some medical-debt and consumer-protection bills, sent to the Committee of the Whole by suspension of the rules.
In Committee of the Whole, the Senate considered Senate Bills 535, 536, 1011, 1041, 1042, and 1043. SB 535, 1041, 1042, and 1043 were amended, while SB 536 and 1011 were reported without amendment; all were recommended for passage. The Senate then concurred in the amendments and advanced the bills to third reading. On final passage, SB 433 passed 35-0; SB 535, 536, and 1011 each passed 35-0; and SB 1041, 1042, and 1043 each passed 20-15. Floor remarks focused on SB 1011 as a way to lower small-business health insurance premiums, and SBs 1041-1043 as anti-price-gouging measures during emergencies.
Later, the Senate discharged Senate Bill 913 from the Appropriations Committee, suspended the rules, and moved it through Committee of the Whole and to final passage the same day. SB 913, which amends the Michigan Trust Fund Act, passed 20-12 with 6 excused after Senator Albert argued in opposition that it would continue $75 million annual funding to the MEDC and amount to corporate welfare. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: POCI Caucus Discusses Budget Targets Affecting Undocumented Minnesotans Healthcare May 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- These are people that were coverage.
- So if there's any Minnesotan out there who doesn't have enough coverage because corporations keep looting
- If your coverage is ending because of federal cuts, join us. We can win a Minnesota public option.
- So if there's any Minnesotan out there who doesn't have enough coverage because corporations keep looting
- If your coverage is ending because of federal cuts, join us. We can win a Minnesota public option.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, Personnel and Public Retirement (8-20-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- What does coverage under federal law. What does that<00:04:46.960>
mean? - We could statutorily require it to be done.
- Right now, it's not required to be done, but the authority is there.
- We could statutoily require it to point. We could statutoily require it to be<00:32:47.360>
done. - Right now, it's not required to be done.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:00:30
Personnel Cabinet 00:03:25
Department of Veterans Affairs 00:12:40
Auditor of Public Accounts 00:22:39
State Treasurer 00:42:24, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first heard from Personnel Cabinet officials on House Bill 6, which required the Kentucky Employees Health Plan to offer a qualified high-deductible health plan by the 2026 plan year. Officials said the plan was already added for 2025, described it as the lowest-premium option with higher deductibles, and explained that federal rules prevent first-dollar coverage except for limited preventive services. They said 264 members had selected the plan out of about 142,000, and noted it also allows health savings accounts. Members asked about the plan’s benefits, what “catastrophic” meant, the deductible amounts, and whether employees were aware of the option; the cabinet said it would continue to highlight the plan in communications and that the deductible is above $8,000 for individuals and above $16,000 for families.
The committee then received an update from the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs on the Bowling Green veterans center. Officials said the current target is to move into the building on October 28, with first admissions about two months later, pending final fixes and certification steps for Medicare, Medicaid, and the VA. They explained that about $7 million in FY25 appropriations lapsed because of construction delays, staffing ramp-up was postponed to avoid unnecessary spending, and the unspent funds should be considered in the next budget request. Members praised the project and asked about annual operating costs; officials said the current operating budget is about $15 million, though they do not expect to spend all of it this year. The commissioner also announced the fifth annual state commanders conference in Lexington, focused on veterans issues and featuring state, federal, and advocacy leaders.
State Auditor Allison Ball then outlined her office’s budget priorities. She said the office is primarily a billing agency that charges audited entities for its work, and warned that some agencies are now signaling they may refuse to pay for audits related to kinship care and the medical cannabis application process. She said the office plans to continue requesting outlier credits for unusually burdensome county audit fees, funding for the ombudsman office’s transition and expanded in-office operations, and revenue replacement for local government audits and possibly state audits and special examinations. Ball also said the office conducts about 500 audits, reviews, and examinations a year and wants to restore performance audits with seed funding, as well as add investigators to the ombudsman office to focus more on child abuse and neglect cases. Members discussed the value of performance audits, the possibility of raising certain board thresholds to account for inflation, and the need for additional capacity to handle more audits.