Transcript Highlights:

• The Medicaid rate paid The Medicaid rate paid in an ambulatory surgery center is a loss for those centers
• Yeah, Seth Gold, Medicaid Director at LDH, thank you for the question.
• First of all, for the Medicaid population, their primary care doctor is usually the emergency room.
• So that's an ER... ...expense for Medicaid. If you go into the ER, you need blood work.
• So that's blood work that Medicaid is going to pay for. They'll put an IV in.

Bills: HB198 , HB325 , HB488 , HB719 , HB749 , HB755 , HB797 , HB823 , HB1028 , HB1194 , HB1222

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: TOPS-Tech, scholarship, education, eligibility, college credit, dual enrollment, state funding, HB 488, Belle Chasse Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge Merit-Based Special Fund, Plaquemines Parish, severance tax, state general fund, special fund, transportation funding, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3 contract, toll reduction

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5124 relates to Medicaid network adequacy requirements for post-acute
• So we have the second highest Medicaid rate in the state.
• And, you know, Medicaid rates just don't get increased every year either.
• We get like 8.3% of the cost of our care for, it covers our care for Medicaid, for instance.
• Medicaid, for instance. So the rest is written off. Thank you very much.

Bills: HB2689 , SB5832 , SB5922 , SB5944 , SB5988 , SB6151

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: Working Connections Child Care, child care subsidy, subsidized child care, Washington DCYF, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, low-income families, child care providers, licensed child care centers, family child care, market rate survey, subsidy rates, income eligibility, state median income, SNAP, Basic Food, collective bargaining, provider reimbursement, daily payment, half-day care, partial-day care

Transcript Highlights:

• What percentage of patients are funded by Medicaid?
• It was the move from Medicaid to managed care Medicaid.
• The Medicaid average per month is $7,400. We pay $7,400 a month for someone on Medicaid.
• If they qualify for Medicaid, then that comes out of the Medicaid budget.
• The Healthcare Authority matched those with federal Medicaid funds for our Medicaid upper payment limit

Committee: House A&B Health Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this bill when I am on Medicaid?
• Notably, Kaiser’s 2025 Medicaid budget survey found 16 state Medicaid programs covered GLP-1s for obesity
• <00:50:57.200><c> survey</c> Kaiser's 2025 Medicaid budget survey Kaiser's 2025 Medicaid budget survey
• ><c> has</c><00:51:29.160><c> grown</c> Medicaid spending on GLP-1s has grown Medicaid spending on GLP
• </c> who have Medicaid coverage. who have Medicaid coverage.

Bills: HF4493 , HF3133 , HF4595 , HF4143 , HF4142 , HF3756 , HF4289 , HF1724 , HF2291 , HF4568 , HF4547

Committee: House Health Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I am honored to present Senate Bill 300, which makes revisions related to Medicaid.
• Existing federal law requires the Department of Health and Human Services, DHS, to administer Medicaid
• The policies within the department require that Medicaid will provide coverage for services administered
• A large percentage of our patients are covered by Medicaid.
• This makes revisions relating to Medicaid. Members, are there any questions on this measure?

Transcript Highlights:

• picked up by Medicaid.
• picked up by Medicaid.
• picked up by Medicaid.
• </c> just those with Medicaid. just those with Medicaid.
• </c> worse for the families with Medicaid. worse for the families with Medicaid.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to qualify for Medicaid to pay for a nursing home stay, you have to meet two criteria.
• That is, you have to be just above the poverty line in order for Medicaid to pay for your stay.
• Given the amount of services, Medicaid really becomes the only affordable...
• They're going to qualify for Medicaid when they need the round-the-clock care.
• They will enter a long-term care facility, and Medicaid would pay for it.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum present and heard a presentation from Marty Wright, CEO of the West Virginia Healthcare Association, on the state’s long-term care system. He described the continuum from home care to assisted living to skilled nursing facilities, emphasizing that these settings increasingly serve short-term rehab-to-home patients as well as older adults needing round-the-clock care. He also outlined the number of facilities in West Virginia, the predominance of Medicaid as the payer for long-term nursing home care, the private-pay nature of assisted living, and the role of OFAC/CMS in regulation. A major focus of the presentation was workforce shortages and turnover, especially for CNAs, LPNs, and RNs, along with declining interest in nursing careers and the impact of regulatory burden and burnout. Wright said the system is also struggling to serve younger patients with substance use disorder, mental illness, or other behavioral needs, who are often not well suited for traditional nursing home placement but have limited alternatives. Senators raised concerns about where such patients are being housed, the long-term effects of opioid and behavioral health issues, and the gap between school-age special needs populations and adult care needs. Wright said Medicaid can cover long-term nursing home care for those who meet financial and medical eligibility requirements, but affordability and spend-down requirements remain major barriers. He also warned that Medicare Advantage can create confusion and shorter covered stays for rehab patients, and he urged early planning around long-term care insurance and estate planning. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after questions and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was on Medicaid and SNAP as a kid.
• What should people keep in mind when it comes to Medicare and Medicaid?
• Currently, folks on Medicaid and SNAP only have to reapply for benefits once a year.
• That's also for the first time in the Medicaid program.
• Happens with the Medicaid reimbursement.

Committee: House House Rural Development, Land Grants And Cultural Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Human two Medicaid funded programs.
• </c> department Medicaid funded programs. department Medicaid funded programs.
• </c> department Medicaid funded programs. department Medicaid funded programs.
• </c> department Medicaid funded programs. department Medicaid funded programs.
• </c> department Medicaid funded programs. department Medicaid funded programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. ...and that they were not used to go towards Medicaid.
• So I would personally not want to send $25 million to Medicaid through this fund. I appreciate you.
• And I don't think there's a proposal to put it into Medicaid.
• And so I read that as it is going towards Medicaid. Mr. Chairman, if I may. You may.
• Well, especially in Medicaid, the federal government through CMS requires us.

Summary: The committee first approved the January 29, 2006 minutes, then spent most of the meeting reviewing Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and related prevention-focused grant requests. Members repeatedly discussed whether proposals fit the committee’s mission of youth substance-abuse prevention, the need for measurable outcomes and oversight, and whether some requests were more like child care or general social services than prevention. Several members also noted that future legislation and a clearer planning framework may be needed so the committee is not simply reacting to applicants’ own goals. The committee then considered individual funding requests. It approved one-time funding for the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund ($692,240), the Idaho Safety Assessment Center Coalition ($1 million through the Department of Juvenile Corrections), the Idaho Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers ($3 million through ICDVVA), a recovery center request ($150,000 ongoing through Health and Welfare), a statewide drug awareness media campaign ($5 million through the Office of Drug Policy), and the governor’s recommended $25 million one-time transfer to the Department of Health and Welfare/Division of Medicaid to help address the Medicaid forecast and general fund impact. The Children’s Bridge request for $3.5 million did not receive a second and died. Throughout the meeting, members emphasized that any approved funding should include intent language for distribution, oversight, reporting, and in some cases procurement or performance measures. There was also discussion that some programs should have a designated state agency “home” for long-term sustainability, and that the committee should better track whether funded programs are actually reducing youth substance use and related harms. The meeting ended after the committee adopted the motions and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the Medicaid that says we want to go to one great big encompassing Medicaid.
• Senators, this is the Medicaid division. This is the Medicaid budget.
• This is folks that are the users of Medicaid and Medicaid expansion. Those are the laws.
• So let me just mention on Medicaid, basic Medicaid, the feds pay about 68% now.
• This is the current year's request for both regular Medicaid and Medicaid expansion all in here.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Medicaid fraud unit.
• </c> essentially the the Medicaid fraud unit. essentially the the Medicaid fraud unit.
• Medicaid demonstration waivers.
• Medicaid is offered. Um also the $25 Medicaid is offered.
• </c> Medicaid. Yes. Medicaid. Yes.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• For those that aren't, maybe everyone's aware, but there's a lot of concern about Medicaid right now,
• We've seen withholding of Medicaid funds in Minnesota, and Minnesota has now sued CMS to challenge that
• For those that aren't, maybe everyone's aware, but there's a lot of concern about Medicaid right now,
• From the House and from CMS to Massachusetts and other states regarding our Medicaid program.
• We're also convening a Medicaid summit with the Council of State Governments this June.

Summary: The commission approved the December minutes and heard opening remarks on upcoming initiatives, including a second “Meeting the Moment” community forum in Lowell on March 27 focused on digital accessibility, education-to-employment transition, workforce supports, long-term services and supports, and health equity. The chair also previewed planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, including formation of a small planning group to help select employer awardees and shape the program. A major portion of the meeting featured an update from the Attorney General’s office on federal litigation affecting Massachusetts. The presentation covered lawsuits and amicus work involving higher education diversity data requests, anti-DEI funding conditions, immigration and Haiti Temporary Protected Status, NIH research grant disruptions, and Department of Education mental health training grants. Commissioners asked about possible impacts on Medicaid and whether disability is included in the federal administration’s undefined “DEI” restrictions; the AG’s office said it was monitoring Medicaid developments closely, had not seen a CMS letter at that time, and would share guidance on DEI and employment initiatives. The meeting also included a workforce and apprenticeship presentation from Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Riemann. They described registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, emphasizing paid, employer-driven training, classroom instruction, wage progression, and transferable credentials. Commissioners highlighted the Bridgewater State University Excel program for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities as a promising model and discussed the need to build similar pathways through community colleges and employer partnerships in fields such as direct support, CNA work, and other in-demand jobs. Subcommittee reports noted that the disability employment subcommittee heard from SEED and will host future presentations from the Lawrence Partnership for Transition to Employment and the Office of Veterans Affairs. The long-term services, supports, and health equity subcommittee discussed MassHealth budget pressures, a projected $3.5 billion budget gap tied to federal changes, upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes, and crisis standards of care. The executive director reported on collaboration with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, planning for the Lowell event, participation in statewide disability employment and autism advocacy work, and upcoming engagement with the Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition. Commissioners also announced several honors, including awards for Regina Marshall, Jay Livingstone, and Vanna Howard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department for Medicaid Services, Department for Medicaid Services, Division<00:23:39.880><c> of</c>
• Medicaid program that exists. So, so did Medicaid program that exists.
• So, we program for Medicaid that exists.
• </c><00:51:21.720><c> program</c> invalidate the entire Medicaid program invalidate the entire Medicaid
• </c> Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services<00:51:49.040><c> last

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then took up a series of administrative regulations from several agencies. Early items included Attorney General consumer protection rules on removal sales, health spas, liquidation sales, and nonresident sellers of visual aid glasses; Finance and Administration Controller rules on clearinghouse validation and fraud prevention; and Board of Dentistry rules updating exam requirements, controlled substance prescribing, training for neuromodulators and dermal fillers, infection control, sedation/anesthesia continuing education, and required education on pediatric abusive head trauma and controlled substance ingestion prevention. The committee also approved staff amendments on these items, generally to conform to KRS Chapter 13A, and members asked a brief question about the dentistry controlled-substances changes, which was answered as an alignment with statute. The committee next approved regulations for the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, Board of Nursing, and Board of Emergency Medical Services. The ophthalmic dispensers package would revise meeting and recordkeeping language, raise renewal fees, set reinstatement and apprentice-license rules, add complaint and hearing procedures, and repeal a duplicative regulation. The nursing regulations would streamline approval of training programs and require notice and documentation of site visits and deficiencies. EMS rules would create five EMS medical director certifications, set expiration and renewal requirements, require publication of disciplinary sanctions, and exempt currently approved directors before October 1, 2026. Staff amendments were adopted without objection on each set. The Education and Labor Cabinet’s school transportation regulation drew extended discussion. The agency explained the changes were intended to implement Senate Bill 46 and update references affected by later legislation, including an oral amendment to delete a subsection reference tied to KRS 160.380. The committee adopted both the agency and oral amendments without objection after brief questions about the scope of the bill changes and van transportation for students. The committee then heard a lengthy package from the Department for Public Health on WIC and related nutrition program regulations, including updates to infant and child certification periods, documentation requirements, vendor criteria, sanctions, hearing procedures, and high-risk vendor standards. Staff amendments were adopted without objection. Finally, the committee considered the Inspector General’s regulation for freestanding birthing centers, which included both staff and agency amendments. The agency changes would require two neonatal resuscitation program-certified staff, set rules for medical director vacancies and appeals, revise facility and staffing terminology, adjust transfer-agreement requirements, and allow waivers when agreements cannot be secured. Mary Katherine DeLodder of the Kentucky Birth Coalition testified in support, saying the parties had worked through concerns and were ready to move forward. The committee then moved on to Medicaid’s 1915C child waiver regulations, where staff amendments were adopted, but Lucy Heskins of Kentucky Protection and Advocacy testified against the package because it did not include person-directed services, which she said are required by Kentucky law and important for families using the waiver.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> motans or Americans that are on Medicaid motans or Americans that are on Medicaid and<00:55:17.760
• </c> financing, for example, through Medicaid financing, for example, through Medicaid expansion<00:55
• </c><01:08:22.400><c> coverage</c> uh could lose their Medicaid coverage uh could lose their Medicaid
• ,</c> what will that cost us in lost Medicaid, what will that cost us in lost Medicaid, Medicare?
• </c> receives Medicaid and receives services. receives Medicaid and receives services.

Summary: The Select Subcommittee first took up adoption of three previously prepared nonpartisan committee summary reports dated October 15, November 13, and November 21. Senator Rasmusson objected to the lack of advance notice about the day’s testifiers and criticized the practice of having nonpartisan staff summarize what he described as a partisan agenda. The chair responded that the committee’s purpose is to gather information, not hear bills, and that the summaries were intended as neutral resources for the Senate. Senator Coopek moved adoption, the motion was opposed by Rasmusson and another member, and the motion passed. The committee then turned to the day’s hearing on federal impacts on Minnesota, with the chair focusing on federal funding threats and the effect of congressional budget actions on health care, especially in greater Minnesota. The first presentation came from the Minnesota Department of Health on the state’s rural health transformation work. Assistant Commissioner Carol Broom introduced the team and described the rural hospital transformation program as a major opportunity to invest in rural health, while acknowledging longstanding challenges such as demographics, transportation barriers, and the financing of care. Nitha Moibi outlined the state’s rural health chart book and data showing an aging population, workforce shortages, and many health professional shortage areas, and described proposed strategies including workforce pipelines, bridge payments for low-volume birth hospitals, telehealth access points, mental health urgent care, and chronic disease prevention. Acting Assistant Commissioner Anna Ashby of the Minnesota Management and Budget office explained the state’s application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created in federal law and awarded Minnesota just over $193 million for federal fiscal year 2026. She said the application was shaped by public comments, stakeholder meetings, and legislative outreach, and included initiatives on preventive care, workforce, care access, behavioral health, and provider financial stability. She also reviewed implementation constraints, including a January 30 revised budget deadline, limits on administrative spending, restrictions on using funds to offset Medicaid losses, and the need to show measurable progress to remain eligible for future funding. The presentation noted that most year-one funding would go to rural hospitals, with additional support for federally qualified health centers, community mental health centers, tribal partners, and technical assistance.

Transcript Highlights:

• It had Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
• participated in Medicaid fraud uh, and participated in Medicaid fraud uh, and there<00:57:56.960><c>
• </c><00:58:09.680><c> fraud</c> unless they are Medicaid fraud unless they are Medicaid fraud uh,<00:
• So, has a Medicaid Control Fraud Unit.
• </c><00:59:12.000><c> Control</c> single state AG has a Medicaid Control single state AG has a Medicaid

Bills: HF2354 , HF3407 , HF4359 , HF4192 , HF3356 , HF3695 , HF1597 , HF3155 , HF3871 , HF4437 , HF4446 , HF3990

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, ghost guns, unserialized firearms, 3D-printed guns, 3D printer firearms, CNC milling, home-built firearms, firearm serialization, serial numbers, unfinished frame, unfinished receiver, ghost gun ban, gun control, firearm design files, CAD files, digital gun blueprints

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with Medicaid. with Medicaid. Thank<01:25:31.280><c> you.</c> Thank you. Thank you.
• So, we started looking into the Medicaid process to get him on Medicaid for when I'm gone.
• So, we started looking into the Medicaid process to get him on Medicaid for when I'm gone.
• So, we started looking into the Medicaid process to get him on Medicaid for when I'm gone.
• So, we started looking into the Medicaid process to get him on Medicaid for when I'm gone.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:03:43.200><c> Senator</c> Senator, um, well, we don't cover acupuncture at all in Medicaid, and
• So, it wouldn't be my first choice of where to expand Medicaid.
• level of medical meets the Medicaid level of medical necessity.<00:04:29.919><c> So,</c> necessity.
• </c><00:04:36.720><c> And</c><00:04:37.040><c> although</c><00:04:37.440><c> I</c> to expand Medicaid
• And although I to expand Medicaid.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• We often hear that there are certain cost drivers within the Medicaid program, and this is part of that
• But if I'm understanding this correctly, any hospital that accepts Medicaid would need to add...
• And if they're on Medicaid, doesn't Health and Welfare already have that information?
• Medicaid to talk about their concerns with the cuts.
• Medicaid to talk about their concerns with the cuts.

Committee: House Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think you're probably all pretty well aware that the Medicaid program...
• What you see is the Medicaid budget on the general fund has almost doubled over that same time period
• What you see is the Medicaid budget on the general fund has almost doubled over that same time period
• And by policy, I'm talking about here specifically is adding Medicaid expansion in 2020.
• So you see that big growth in Medicaid, and some of that is shifted completely.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources