Transcript Highlights:

• The largest one of those was a projected current-year deficit in Medicaid services. So...
• The Medicaid program, for example, is... Would take significant efforts.
• The Medicaid program, for example, is a critical need, and so we have limited ability to make changes
• And then the second one is driver number 6, the Medicaid program.
• About 72% of Medicaid is now in managed care.

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present to hear the constitutionally required Long-Range Financial Outlook and consider a series of budget amendments. Amy Baker of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research presented the outlook, describing Florida’s continued population growth, strong wage growth, an aging population, housing-market softening, and low consumer sentiment. She said the general revenue forecast was largely unchanged from March, but the state’s funds available had improved because of legislative actions in 2025 that increased the balance forward. She also noted strong reserves, a projected current-year Medicaid deficit of about $125 million, and a three-year outlook that remains positive in the first year but turns negative in years two and three. She highlighted the risk of co-occurring catastrophic events, using a normalized Great Miami Hurricane scenario to illustrate potential state losses. The outlook was adopted after brief comments from House and Senate members emphasizing fiscal restraint and efficiency. The commission then approved multiple budget amendments, mostly without objection. The Agency for Health Care Administration received amendments to realign funding for Florida KidCare based on estimating conference results, to provide $85 million in budget authority for disproportionate share hospital payments, and to adjust Medicaid and long-term care appropriations, including placing surplus funds into reserve. The Department of Health received $6.3 million in additional authority for newborn screening. The Department of Corrections and the Department of Management Services each received $2.2 million in Private Inmate Welfare Trust Fund authority for repair invoices and pending projects. The Department of State was authorized to release $2.5 million in nonrecurring general revenue for cultural and museum grants and America 250 commemorative grants. The Department of Transportation received approval for a project roll-forward and for work program changes, including advancing I-95 widening in Duval County and the I-4 corridor in Polk and Osceola counties. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• They do a lot of child mentoring, Medicaid, Medicare application assistance for senior citizens, tax
• He said that for FY27 they will have to move the $100 million into Medicaid, though he is not sure of
• I think, as I said, we need to have a conversation about the funding level for Medicaid going forward
• You know, there's a lot of volatility in the balance on Medicaid. The report...
• You know, there's a lot of volatility in the balance on Medicaid.

Committee: All JBC-PEER REVIEW

Transcript Highlights:

• This steep cost forces many disabled Texans to spend down their assets just to qualify for Medicaid.
• services to Medicaid clients.
• The amendment on the floor would have applied to all in lieu of services for all Medicaid.
• What I wanted to do was to focus this on a certain population in Medicaid. Let's see if it works.
• And then we can apply it to all the populations in Medicaid.

Bills: SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB2082 , SB2717 , SB2919 , HB4 , HB26 , HB 103 , HB 108 , HB 117 , HB 126 , HB144 , HB145 , HB186 , HB201 , HB223 , HB229 , HB272 , HB493 , HB521 , HB551 , HB621 , HB700 , HB748 , HB 1106 , HB 1234 , HB1403 , HB1500 , HB1661 , HB2017 , HB2026 , HB2035 , HB2038 , HB2073 , HB2080 , HB2221 , HB2253 , HB2294 , HB2306 , HB2313 , HB2427 , HB2512 , HB2516 , HB2593 , HB2674 , HB2761 , HB2818 , HB2820 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB2885 , HB3010 , HB3016 , HB3053 , HB3057 , HB3133 , HB3151 , HB3159 , HB3180 , HB3181 , HB3225 , HB3234 , HB3250 , HB3254 , HB3284 , HB3333 , HB3512 , HB3556 , HB3595 , HB3689 , HB3711 , HB3732 , HB3749 , HB3812 , HB3833 , HB3866 , HB3928 , HB3940 , HB3966 , HB4063 , HB4112 , HB4157 , HB4264 , HB4281 , HB4384 , HB4454 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4520 , HB4530 , HB4666 , HB4690 , HB4743 , HB4749 , HB4751 , HB4795 , HB4848 , HB4903 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5149 , HB5154 , HB5247 , HB5308 , HB5394 , HB5436 , HB5659 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB5680 , HB5696 , HCR40 , HCR108 , HCR118 , SJR5 , SJR59 , SB4 , SB8 , SB9 , SB10 , SB12 , SB22 , SB23 , SB25 , SB27 , SB34 , SB36 , SB37 , SB38 , SB40 , SB261 , SB650 , SB777 , SB924 , SB1188 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1448 , SB1566 , SB1621 , SB1723 , SB1862 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB3070 , SB1 , SB17 , SB21 , SB260 , SB379 , SB509 , SB1405 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , HB300 , HB2525 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3045 , SB3071 , HJR7 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HB26 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB5652 , HB3395 , HB2516 , HB180 , HB 1306 , HB3966 , HB4112 , HB322 , HB 126 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB1629 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4464 , HB4063 , HB3623 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB700 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB3619 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB4743 , HB4666 , HB3812 , HB3595 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB346 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB2038 , HB3185 , HB2761 , HB2593 , HB2348 , HB2073 , HB1871 , HB 108 , HB2306 , HB2017 , HB 1135 , HB144 , HB3689 , HB5308 , HB 101 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5680 , HB5658 , HB5696 , HB4144 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3866 , HB3010 , HB4520 , HB3642 , HB3928 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4530 , HB4630 , HB5659 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB2427 , HB145 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB3133 , HB3053 , HB2885 , HB2820 , HB2294 , HB2253 , HB1661 , HB1506 , HB 1234 , HB640 , HB621 , HB551 , HB521 , HB493 , HB272 , HB229 , HB223 , HB201 , HB186 , HB 119 , HB2080 , HB2818 , HB5394 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB4454 , HB3940 , HB3749 , HB3151 , HB3284 , HB1403 , HB 1106 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB1500 , HB4488 , HB4264 , HB4 , HB4170 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4157 , HB4281 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4749 , HB4995 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5624 , HB1449 , HB3711 , HB2598 , HB3629 , HB4361 , HB824 , HB1868 , HB4848 , HB2243 , HB40 , HB 117 , HB2313 , HB3686 , HB500 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB 1056 , HB42 , HB4486 , HB3000 , HB 100 , HB2240 , HB718 , HB27 , HB4904 , HB4202 , HB2853 , HB5129 , HB5093 , HB4765 , HB4748 , HB4559 , HB4350 , HB4214 , HB3388 , HB3112 , HB5196 , HB4211 , HB3516 , HB3092 , HB4233 , HB4687 , HB705 , HB 1094 , HB2037 , HB3005 , HB3848 , HB 1105 , HB 121 , HB3372 , HB367 , HB783 , HB3336 , HB3441 , HB4449 , HB5616 , HB2407 , HB2854 , HB3425 , HB5294 , HB 1178 , HB4623 , HB14 , HB3963 , HB 1211 , HB5646 , HB5629 , HB3783 , HB4236 , HB46 , HB4638 , HB 1052 , HB4070 , HB5509 , HB5435 , HB4134 , HB3923 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB2517 , HB2488 , HB5663 , HB2731 , HB3073 , HB2655 , HB2399 , HB541 , HB4099 , HB 111 , HB1532 , HB3483 , HB2963 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB713 , HB632 , HB426 , HB4730 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR76 , HCR108 , HB26 , HB 108 , HB144 , HB145 , HB201 , HB272 , HB493 , HB551 , HB621 , HB700 , HB1500 , HB1661 , HB2017 , HB2038 , HB2073 , HB2080 , HB2221 , HB2253 , HB2294 , HB2306 , HB2313 , HB2427 , HB2516 , HB2593 , HB2761 , HB2818 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB2885 , HB3010 , HB3016 , HB3133 , HB3151 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3284 , HB3595 , HB3689 , HB3711 , HB3866 , HB3928 , HB3940 , HB3966 , HB4063 , HB4112 , HB4264 , HB4281 , HB4384 , HB4454 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4520 , HB4530 , HB4666 , HB4743 , HB4749 , HB4751 , HB5081 , HB5308 , HB5394 , HB5659 , HB5671 , HB5680 , HB5696 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HB223 , HB1403 , HB3053 , HB5115 , HCR108 , HCR118 , SB20 , SB33 , SB75 , SB213 , SB269 , SB458 , SB528 , SB647 , SB648 , SB681 , SB740 , SB840 , SB843 , SB1061 , SB1120 , SB1121 , SB1150 , SB1202 , SB1253 , SB1423 , SB1535 , SB1574 , SB1709 , SB1789 , SB2037 , SB2078 , SB2268 , SB2544 , SB2570 , SB1198 , SB2601 , SB2778

Transcript Highlights:

• and the House who put Minnesota above politics and wrote a letter that clearly described what the Medicaid
• we need to take doing around Medicaid we need to take care<00:04:14.599><c> of</c><00:04:14.720><c>
• This is Medicaid.
• This is Medicaid.
• Specifically on the Medicaid issue, you don't expect that to get any deeper?

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:43:05.920><c> fraud</c> chance to talk about a Medicaid fraud chance to talk about a Medicaid
• c> unit</c><00:43:11.040><c> uh</c> the Medicaid the Medicaid fraud unit uh the Medicaid the Medicaid
• the public support for Medicaid.
• the public support for Medicaid.
• for Medicaid.

Bills: HF627 , HF474 , HF361 , HF1837

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It simply brings Medicaid into alignment with existing law.
• It simply brings Medicaid into alignment with existing law.
• It simply brings Medicaid into alignment with existing law.
• It simply brings Medicaid into alignment with existing law.
• It simply brings Medicaid into alignment with existing law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tab 1 is Medicaid Spending Authority within DESE. This is $3 million.
• Oh, so this is basically a state match for Medicaid? Yes.
• I know we have to do the Medicaid match.
• We're mandated to fund Medicaid. For Medicaid, stand on its own.
• We're mandated to fund Medicaid to a certain level. Yes.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• So, as you can see on the slide, next to live video, which is covered by all state Medicaid programs,
• Medicaid programs are generally required under federal requirements to reimburse telehealth services
• Meanwhile, enrollment processes are being updated in other state Medicaid programs more generally to
• So I think state Medicaid programs are playing catch-up, and they're getting there.
• And so I think state Medicaid programs are playing catch up and they're getting there.

Committee: House Health

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you speak to the efforts that your office has made to combat Medicaid fraud and what improvements
• You know, if you look at the costs in our budget, I think Medicaid and CHIP is roughly $75 billion.
• If that is true, we would love to hear if we need to update some of our statutes on Medicaid fraud.
• **Chair**: We may need to update some of our statutes on Medicaid fraud.
• We would love to hear if we need to update some of our statutes on Medicaid fraud.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, will have to what the Medicaid rate is.
• Well, it can't be what the Medicaid rate is.
• Submit claims at the Mississippi Medicaid reimbursement.
• </c><00:13:44.880><c> rate</c> Well, it can't be what the Medicaid rate Well, it can't be what the Medicaid
• </c> Medicaid reimbursement rate. Medicaid reimbursement rate.

Committee: Joint Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, $25 million one time for Medicaid claims, reducing the general fund impact in FY 27.
• And finally, $25 million one time for Medicaid claims, reducing the general fund impact in FY 27.
• As I stated, funding for the recovery center and Medicaid claims were included in the budget request
• Yeah, it's Medicaid, but Ms. Bischarat, she can explain a little bit in detail on that.
• Here, and I have quite a bit of language for you today, and we will get to the one for the Medicaid.

Summary: The Senate Finance and House Appropriations Committee considered several FY 2027 budget items, beginning with the Idaho Judicial Branch. The committee approved an additional $3.9007 million from dedicated funds for court operations, including $800,700 from the Senior Magistrate Judge Fund, $700,000 from the Drug Court/Mental Health Court/Family Court Services Fund, $400,000 from the Substance Abuse Treatment Fund, and $2 million ongoing from the Court Technology Fund. Members noted the technology fund had grown enough to sustain the ongoing transfer, while Senator Wintrow remarked that funding for a treatment-court peer support program had not been restored. The motion passed with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then approved a Guardian Ad Litem Division budget increase of $165,300 in general funds, including $77,900 ongoing for the Second Judicial District CASA program and $87,400 to restore a one-time FY 2027 rescission. Supporters described the CASA request as funding a trainer-recruiter position and related office costs, and several members spoke favorably about the role of guardian ad litems. The motion passed, also with a do-pass recommendation. Members next took up the Millennium Income Fund. They approved $9,872,200 from the fund for recommendations including the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund, Youth Assessment Centers, children’s advocacy centers through the Idaho Domestic Violence Council, an additional recovery center in Kamiah, and a statewide drug awareness media campaign. A substitute motion added $30,000 one time to restore funding for statewide training and coordination of school resource officers, which passed after discussion about whether the Millennium Fund committee had been consulted. The committee then adopted maintenance and new language for the Millennium Fund items, including reporting and oversight provisions, and later adopted language for reappropriating unspent state archives move funds for the Idaho State Historical Society. Finally, the committee approved the Idaho State Historical Society budget, adding $486,300 from dedicated funds for archival moving and OITS hardware. Members explained the move would be handled in phases and funded through dedicated sources rather than general funds. The committee also adopted statewide appropriations language making conditions, limitations, and restrictions in budget bills binding law, and adjourned after announcing the next day’s agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would they be okay to bill for the care under the Medicaid program?
• Senator Grall: They should not be billing because they're not a Medicaid provider.
• So if they were in the long-term care facility, then they would be able to bill Medicaid.
• They would be able to bill Medicaid, but this is contemplating a situation where they are in a group
• home, and there isn't Medicaid billing happening for the service because they're not Medicaid providers

Committee: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills. SB 894, relating to faith-based content in batterers’ intervention programs, was explained as allowing certified programs to offer voluntary faith-based components alongside existing models. Members raised questions about how faith would be defined, whether participation would be optional, and how all faiths would be included. An amendment was adopted clarifying that faith-based activities may be offered but not required and removing language directing DCF to repeal a rule. After supportive testimony from faith-based advocates and some debate, the committee reported the bill favorably, with Senators Harrell and Garcia later recording affirmative votes. The committee then considered SB 1240 on substance abuse and mental health care, which would assign state oversight of the 988 Lifeline, remove the annual needs assessment barrier for medication-assisted treatment licensing, and require annual continuing education for forensic evaluators. An amendment with technical conforming changes and two substantive clarifications was adopted. Members expressed support for expanded access to behavioral health services, and the bill was reported favorably. Later, the chair presented SB 1736, which would allow direct support professionals and relatives to administer insulin in group home settings for individuals with developmental disabilities. After an amendment clarifying sliding scale insulin and related medication administration, the committee heard testimony from family advocates describing how the bill would prevent unnecessary institutionalization and reduce costs. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also passed SB 1286, which clarifies that allowing children to engage in unsupervised activities such as biking or playing outside does not by itself constitute neglect unless reckless or dangerous. After brief support testimony, that bill was also reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up on the agenda is the Medicaid Subcommittee, which has not met since 2018, and Representative
• The Medicaid Subcommittee met Thursday, February 12, 2006, and adopted the minutes from its last meeting
• Audit’s role related to Medicaid.
• Staff from the Department of Human Services, the Office of Medicaid Inspector General, and the Attorney
• regarding Medicaid.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The Legislative Joint Audit Committee met on February 13, 2026, and first adopted the January 9, 2026 minutes. It then received and adopted reports from the Executive Committee, the Standing Committee on Counties and Municipalities, the Standing Committee on Education Institutions, the Standing Committee on State Agencies, and the Medicaid Subcommittee. Those reports covered audit follow-up items, delinquent private water and sewer audits, municipal accounting compliance issues, education audit findings, state agency audit findings, and a Medicaid oversight presentation. Several reports were filed after discussion, and in multiple cases agencies or local officials were present to answer questions about repeat findings or compliance concerns. Among the notable audit matters, the committee reviewed a Cleburne County library audit that found more than $80,000 in unauthorized or questionable disbursements, including purchases that appeared personal in nature and improper fuel expenses. The library director had been placed on leave, later charged with felony theft of property and abuse of office, and the matter was referred to the prosecuting attorney and Attorney General. The committee also heard a special report on the Charles W. Donaldson Scholars Academy at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, which found scholarship ineligibility issues and numerous disbursement-processing exceptions, while noting that the program had ended in 2024 and remaining funds were returned to the school districts. During the state agency report, Legislative Audit described findings at DHS, Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, Corrections, and Veterans Affairs, including improper benefit payments, a cashed warrant by someone other than the intended payee, missing receipts, unauthorized fuel card purchases, and payroll and overtime issues. The committee filed that report after agency representatives responded to questions. The meeting ended with the filing of the Cleburne County and Donaldson Scholars Academy reports, and the next committee meeting was announced for March 12-13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> is with the Department for Medicaid is with the Department for Medicaid services<00:33:05.679><c
• </c><00:47:03.599><c> For</c> that is just unique to Medicaid. For that is just unique to Medicaid.
• </c> and particularly take Medicaid patients. and particularly take Medicaid patients.
• </c> is more pronounced with the Medicaid is more pronounced with the Medicaid population<00:47:30.560
• I'd have services for Medicaid patients.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for Representative McCool, who was absent due to a family death, then approved the April 14 minutes and noted the agenda contained 482 items totaling about $138.6 million. The first deferred item involved the Office of the Controller and a brokerage services contract. Senators questioned why the new contract was roughly $1 million a year when a prior vendor had been paid about $300,000 annually, why the procurement was rebid after years of no-bid arrangements, and why past performance was not heavily weighted. Agency witnesses said the prior vendor had held the work for more than 20 years, the new RFP drew more competition, technical evaluators did not see cost until after technical scoring, and AON received the highest technical score despite being an out-of-state vendor with its closest office in Nashville. After discussion, the committee voted to take no action, and the contract advanced to the Finance Cabinet for final decision. The committee then considered a DCBS memorandum of agreement amendment. Members asked what funding was being redirected to cover an increase of about $265,000. DCBS explained that reduced spending on interpreter services, due to more commonly used forms being translated into other languages, freed up funds to support the contract. The committee approved the item. Next, the committee reviewed an initial contract for the Kentucky Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists. The board explained that its small legal staff was handling 11 active cases and needed outside counsel with investigators and additional attorneys because of ongoing litigation and disciplinary changes tied to prior legislation and a recent LOIC report. Members asked whether the contract was a not-to-exceed amount and whether the board could afford it; the board said the $50,000 was a ceiling, not an expected spend, and that the board was fully funded through licensing fees and currently running a surplus. Senator Thomas urged support, citing recent reforms in Senate Bills 14 and 22 and the need to help the board work through corrective action. The committee approved the contract. The Board of Pharmacy item was then deferred at the agency’s request until the June 2025 meeting, and the committee approved that deferral.

Transcript Highlights:

• the goal of protecting the stability of the critical access dental network in Minnesota and the Medicaid
• for lawfully Medicaid eligibility for lawfully present<00:41:20.640><c> immigrants.
• </c><00:41:48.640><c> include</c> federally funded Medicaid include federally funded Medicaid include
• How many people people were on Medicaid?
• And so one of these who are on Medicaid.

Bills: HF4401 , HF4466

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Henry Litman, states Medicaid<00:15:15.199><c> director.
• </c> Medicaid director. Glad to be here. Medicaid director. Glad to be here.
• </c> they have to do to redetermine Medicaid they have to do to redetermine Medicaid eligibility.
• <01:44:01.920><c> participation</c><01:44:03.199><c> and</c><01:44:03.520><c> Medicaid</c> Medicaid participation
• and Medicaid Medicaid participation and Medicaid populations<01:44:05.040><c> face</c><01:44:05.520>

Summary: The committee first approved the draft minutes of its May 16, 2025 meeting, with one correction removing Representative Dry from the attendance list because she was present as a guest rather than an appointed member. The committee then received a Department of Health and Human Services update from Commissioner Lori Weaver, who focused on the rural health transformation grant process. She said the department has been gathering stakeholder input since July, issued a request for information on September 22, and is working toward an end-of-October draft and a November 3 deadline, with a grant writer request expected to go before Governor and Council at no cost to the state. The bulk of the meeting centered on federal changes affecting SNAP and Medicaid. Karen Heert explained that the federal law changes commonly referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill” or HR1 will affect SNAP eligibility and state costs, including a shift in administrative cost sharing from 50/50 to 75/25 beginning in October 2026 and a possible state share of benefits if New Hampshire’s error rate is too high. She said the program affects about 43,000 households, that New Hampshire’s federal fiscal year 2024 error rate was 7.57% versus a national rate of 10.93%, and that the state must get below 6% to avoid liability. She also said DHS is preparing remediation steps, auditing cases, and seeking technology and staffing support, including a grant for automation and training. Henry Litman then described Medicaid changes under HB2 and the new federal law. He said New Hampshire returned to pre-pandemic eligibility verification rules on July 1, including a 10% income compatibility standard and reduced ex parte renewals, which has increased manual work and contributed to a drop in enrollment from about 185,000 in late June to about 178,000 in early September. He also reviewed new child premiums, pharmacy copays, Granite Advantage premiums, and possible Medicaid work requirements, noting that DHS is working with CMS on implementation details and may use a state plan option rather than an 1115 waiver because it would be less expensive and faster. Members asked several questions about the SNAP error-rate rules, the distinction between administrative and client errors, the effect of unpaid copays, and the timing and legal risk of the Medicaid work requirement; no votes were taken on those policy issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• enrollees, and within that Medicaid number, about 837,000 people were families with kids.
• enrollees, and within that Medicaid number, about 837,000 people were families with kids.
• enrollees, and within that Medicaid number, about 837,000 people were families with kids.
• enrollees, and within that Medicaid number, about 837,000 people were families with kids.
• enrollees, and within that Medicaid number, about 837,000 people were families with kids.

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2555 relates to coverage of traditional health care practices under Medicaid.
• In 2024, the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services established criteria for the approval
• of Medicaid waivers to cover traditional health practices delivered at tribal health facilities by employees
• apply for that waiver from CMS to allow for the coverage of traditional health care practices under Medicaid
• And then if they want to serve Medicaid patients, they also... ...if they want to serve Medicaid patients

Summary: The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on three measures. HB 2555 would require the Health Care Authority to apply for a Medicaid waiver to cover traditional health care practices provided through Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Indian facilities. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, tribal health leaders, and the Health Care Authority, said the bill would recognize traditional medicine, expand access, and leverage federal funding, though HCA noted the July 1, 2026 waiver deadline and urban Indian reimbursement questions may be difficult to resolve. HB 2685 would codify tribal data sovereignty principles for state agencies, require reporting of notifiable conditions to tribal health jurisdictions, and exempt certain tribal data from public disclosure. Tribal representatives supported the bill as necessary for access, governance, and better public health planning, while the Washington Coalition for Open Government and HCA raised concerns about the breadth of the PRA exemption, undefined ownership interests, and implementation details. HB 2658 would require health carriers to submit standardized public data on behavioral health and other coverage and access metrics, with the Insurance Commissioner posting the information on a public dashboard. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency about mental health parity and help families, employers, and policymakers compare plans; opponents argued it duplicates or complicates recent parity reforms and could be misinterpreted. HB 2683 would shorten carrier credentialing timelines from 90 days to 30 days and require carriers to post billing and coverage information online. Supporters said it would reduce delays for providers and patients, while opponents warned the shorter timeline could be hard to meet and that posting information without login protections could raise privacy concerns. In executive session, the committee adopted two amendments to HB 2168, which concerns overdose mapping data, then reported the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 16-1. It rejected an amendment to HB 2196 that would have extended PANDAS/PANS coverage to public and school employee plans, then advanced the substitute bill with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-2. Finally, the committee passed HB 2545, which would allow ambulatory surgical facilities to perform elective percutaneous coronary interventions, by a vote of 13-4, after members discussed safety, access, and cost savings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Medicaid Enhancement for Children and Pregnant Women quarterly report.
• Director of Medicaid Enterprise Development, Division of Medicaid Services, DHHS.
• :44:46.680><c> Medicaid</c><00:44:47.400><c> services</c> division of Medicaid services division of Medicaid
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had offered the option to states in 2023 to extend Medicaid
• </c> are eligible for Medicaid are eligible for Medicaid expansion expansion expansion are<00:48:51.079

Summary: The Health and Human Services Oversight Committee met on February 2 and first approved the draft minutes from the prior meeting, with minor corrections to the meeting date and attendance notation. DHHS Associate Commissioner Patricia Tilly then gave a department update, describing the current uncertainty around federal priorities and funding, and provided two substantive reports: progress on the new Hampstead Youth Development Center and an update on the department’s review of an ALS registry proposal. She said the YDC project is underway with tree clearing, fencing, stormwater and site-prep work, and remains on track for completion by June 30, 2026 and operation by August 30, 2026. The center currently has 12 youth, and the new design is intended to provide flexibility for fluctuating census levels. On ALS, Tilly explained that HB 576 had prompted the department to examine whether a registry could be built, but the estimated cost of a HIPAA-compliant system was about $750,000. She said DHHS is reviewing whether existing data sources, such as hospital discharge data and CHIS claims data, could provide useful information, but noted both are incomplete for registry purposes. Committee members discussed whether the Rare Disease Advisory Council, Dartmouth, or existing cancer registry infrastructure could help reduce costs. DHHS said it is neutral and willing to continue exploring alternatives, while members emphasized the value of a registry and the need to consider shared infrastructure and funding. The committee also heard from Jenny Horan of the Alzheimer’s Association, who presented the subcommittee’s report on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. She said the subcommittee spent the past year gathering information on dementia care, abuse and exploitation issues, caregiver strain, and available services, and is now moving into a second phase focused on identifying gaps and developing a state plan. Members asked about geriatric psychiatric capacity and long-term care availability; Horan said the state has limited capacity and that the plan will help clarify where needs are greatest. She offered to return for follow-up questions at a later meeting. Finally, Olivia May of DHHS presented the quarterly report on the 12-month postpartum Medicaid coverage extension. She said New Hampshire implemented the extension after federal and state action, and the first claims data are still emerging because of reporting lags. In the initial cohort studied, 95% received some medical services during the extended period, 52.4% received mental health or substance use disorder treatment, 26.7% received preventive visits, and 3.2% received heart or hypertension services. Members asked about return on investment and whether higher federal matching rates are being used appropriately; DHHS said it claims the highest possible match based on eligibility group and will return with more data over time. The committee then heard the annual therapeutic cannabis program report from Michael Holt, who said the program had 1,475 registered patients as of June 30, 2024 and that growth has slowed, with New Hampshire having the lowest per-capita medical cannabis enrollment nationally.

Transcript Highlights:

• And now he proposes $147 million in Medicaid cuts targeted at our seniors.
• They're on SNAP, they're on Medicaid, they're on health care benefits from the state.
• They're on SNAP, they're on Medicaid, they're on health care benefits from the state.
• But we can't deliver on these outcomes. problems. ...programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
• But in fiscal year 20,... ...of federal decisions made about who can get Medicaid.

Bills: HB2289

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: appropriations, budget, fiscal matters, state spending, general fund, supplemental budget, biennial budget, substitute bill, public defense, civil legal aid, courts, judicial branch, homelessness, supportive housing, affordable housing, behavioral health, juvenile rehabilitation, youth services, child welfare, foster care