Transcript Highlights:

• E7, Department of Human Services.
• With a PASS and that the direct service provider is not participating as a network direct service provider
• , and the services of oral surgeons, the dental services of oral surgeons.
• I was one of those people who delivered services, oral surgery services, and I am not an oral surgeon
• It does not include the oral surgeon services for adults, the dental services provided by dentists.

Summary: The Arkansas Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a large slate of agency rules and related reports. The chair announced that several items were stricken from the agenda and that the maternal health providers and remote monitoring rules were pulled by the agency. The committee filed reports on emergency rules, ALC subcommittee rule reviews, and administrative directives, then moved through agency rules from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce/Insurance, Department of Corrections, and multiple divisions of the Department of Human Services. Most rules were explained as technical updates or implementations of 2025 legislation and were approved without objection. Examples included repeal of obsolete equine ID-chip rules, updates to agriculture financing and pesticide rules, removal of duplicative workers’ compensation plan language, a unified visitation rule for correctional facilities, DHS marketing rules for PASS programs, a comprehensive DCFS policy manual revision, Medicaid-related changes for fictive kin, ABLE accounts, presumptive eligibility for pregnant women, SNAP work requirements and alien eligibility, coverage for certain incarcerated youth, nurse aide training updates, and permanent rules for state employee insurance and procurement. The committee also approved requests to exclude the Insurance Department from rulemaking requirements for Act 772 on forced organ harvesting and for restorative reproductive medicine, with the department saying it would issue rules later when more guidance is available. The most extended discussion concerned DHS’s dental Medicaid rate rule under Act 1025. Members and witnesses debated whether the statute’s language covered only oral surgeons or also general dentists performing oral surgery procedures, and whether the rate increase should apply more broadly to the services rather than the provider title. DHS said it was following the black-letter language of the law and could not confirm a broader interpretation without further approvals and funding, while legislators and a Dental Association representative said the intent was to increase payment for the services, especially in rural areas. Members also discussed the possibility of fixing the language in a future session or through a new rule if approvals and CMS review allow. Despite the concerns, the committee approved the rule. The meeting ended with approval of rule review reports and monthly updates, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• , including services to treat gender dysphoria.
• gender-affirming care services.
• different state-only services.
• I'm here with Trans Family Support Services.
• and canceling services with patients.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is coming from the department classifying how food services can be provided, ranging from Services
• So, food services funding comes from a So, food services funding comes from a few different sources.
• There was also conversation that, in addition to that food service staff, you might need a food service
• Do food service employees put put in?
• Our food service cook lead is $17.50.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to continue my public service, my state service and service to the
• or benefits from a service.
• array and behavioral health services.
• I'm happy to dive into services and types of services that are driving that.
• There are certain actions to take in terms of services, optional services, and other similar potential

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee approved the January 26 and January 27, 2026 minutes, then held a confirmation hearing for Juliet Sharon as director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Sharon outlined her background in Medicaid and health policy and described priorities including program integrity, tighter fiscal oversight, improved customer service, child welfare, disability services, and efforts to resolve long-running lawsuits. Senators asked about measurable goals, audit findings, collaboration with the disability community, and the department’s role in broader health care policy; Sharon said she expects to more than double program-integrity recoveries, that audit findings have corrective action plans but no terminations, and that the department can influence national policy by setting strong examples in Idaho. The committee then moved into the department’s Medicaid budget presentation. Sharon and Deputy Director/State Medicaid Director Sasha O’Connell explained a $107.2 million supplemental request for FY 2026 driven by caseload growth, especially in traditional Medicaid, adult disability services, and behavioral health, along with federally required rate and system changes. They also reviewed the FY 2027 request, including funding for the MMIS procurement, estate recovery contractor support, additional procurement staff, and forecast adjustments for caseload, pharmaceuticals, mandatory pricing, utilization, and provider rate changes. The department said the earlier 4% provider rate reduction and behavioral health service cuts were already producing savings, but another roughly $22 million in general funds would still be needed to balance the budget, requiring legislative direction on possible options. Senators raised concerns about the impact of rate reductions on access, especially for small home- and community-based providers, and about how audit findings and system failures were being addressed. O’Connell said the department received the most public comments it has ever seen, held some very small providers harmless, and is building access-monitoring reports and cost surveys to better track service availability. The committee also discussed a planned Medicaid pharmacy copay under House Bill 345, with the department saying it intends to implement the maximum allowable amounts. The meeting ended after Sharon answered questions about Medicaid expansion caseload trends, estate recovery, and the department’s efforts to keep the program sustainable, and the chair adjourned the committee with plans to meet again the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Recovery support services are different.
• It's called recovery support services, and I think it's in those situations that recovery support services
• All of those were for HIV care services.
• model, increasing access to mobile services, and peer recovery support services.
• to mobile services, and peer recovery support services.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For services to treat gender dysphoria, health plans are required to use the World Professional For services
• , including services to treat gender dysphoria.
• gender-affirming care services.
• different state-only services.
• and canceling services with patients.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , health care services, developmental services, and the Health and Human Services Agency to support eligible
• Health Care Services?
• Partners coordinated to create a web of services to eliminate gaps in service delivery for families.
• And in some cases, they use it to provide direct services, and in other cases indirect services.
• Services Authority, Department of Health Care Access and Information, Department of Health Care Services

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Human Services held an informational hearing focused on the impacts of federal HR1 on CalFresh and Medi-Cal, along with related state mitigation efforts. CDSS, DHCS, DDS, county representatives, LAO, and Finance discussed automatic exemptions, data-sharing between departments, county workload, and the timing of implementation. CDSS said about two-thirds of adults ages 18 to 64 are already known to be exempt in CalFresh, and that administrative data matches could newly exempt about 200,000 of the roughly 955,000 adults potentially at risk. DHCS said Medi-Cal work requirements would begin in 2027 and the department is working to automate exemptions, including for IHSS recipients and some caregivers, while DDS said its population is expected to be covered by auto-exemptions. County welfare directors emphasized that individualized worker contact is critical, that counties need more staffing and stable funding, and that without it they expect delays, higher error rates, and reduced exemption screening capacity. Members pressed for written timelines, county-by-county impact data, and clearer guidance; the administration said it would provide follow-up materials and technical assistance. No votes were taken. The committee then heard a separate discussion on a proposed CFAP expansion or “CFAP Plus” concept to provide state-funded benefits to additional populations affected by HR1, including lawfully present non-citizens and ABODs. CDSS said implementation could not occur before October 1, 2027 because of policy and system-design constraints, and that adding unique eligibility rules would increase complexity and cost. Finance cautioned that any expansion would have General Fund impacts likely in the hundreds of millions to multiple billions. Members asked for cost estimates and technical feedback on trailer bill language, and CDSS said it would review the proposal and respond. The hearing also covered CDSS’s CalFresh strategic plan and mandated reporter training updates. CDSS said it is hiring a strategic plan lead to develop a long-term, data-informed CalFresh plan, and that the revised mandated reporter training is on track for launch in fall/winter 2026, ahead of the July 1, 2027 statutory deadline. The training will include updated content on structural racism, ICWA protections, implicit bias, and the distinction between reporting and supporting families. Members praised the work and asked for continued updates. Later panels focused on Promise Neighborhoods, Stop the Hate, and housing programs. Promise Neighborhood advocates and CDSS described the state’s prior $12 million investment, a positive evaluation showing roughly a 4-to-1 return, and a new proposal to support place-based partnerships and community schools through AB 1969. Stop the Hate grantees and CDSS reported that the program has provided direct services, prevention, and statewide coordination to millions of Californians, and urged reauthorization before funding expires; members asked for best-practice language and discussed focusing future funding on solidarity work, harm reduction, legal services, and education. Finally, CDSS presented on the CalWORKs Housing Support Program and Housing and Disability Advocacy Program, saying proposed General Fund investments of $105 million and $55 million would prevent funding cliffs and allow the programs to continue through 2026-27, while the absence of new funding would force reductions in housing assistance, subsidies, and enrollments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The second is to integrate health, housing, and human services.
• And $13.4 billion, about 9.4%, is for developmental services.
• placement decisions, services, and transition.
• Would OYCR be engaged in how services are going to be, how effective services are going to be given now
• services reductions.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's where an MCO only oversees a subset of services, not all of the services for a participant.
• So that's where an MCO only oversees a subset of services, not all of the services for a participant.
• And then there's comprehensive. a subset of services, not all of the services for a participant.
• Phase one will include all services except for developmental disability services, and phase two will
• It is a set of services that are outlined in the Social Security Act as services that must be provided

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The Senate Health and Welfare Committee received an update from Department of Health and Welfare Medicaid Administrator Sasha O’Connell on House Bill 345 and Idaho’s transition to comprehensive managed care. She reviewed several HB 345 directives and related federal changes, including rural hospital designation, work reporting/community engagement requirements, six-month redeterminations for the Medicaid expansion population, changes to eligibility processes, the choice waiver, state-directed payments, discontinuation of Healthy Connections Value Care and primary care case management, site-neutral payments, practice authority protections, and a new cost-sharing proposal increasing copays from $3.65 to $4. She also noted ongoing public comment periods, CMS guidance still pending on some items, and the department’s re-procurement of actuary and claims system/vendor services needed for implementation. A major portion of the presentation focused on managed care. O’Connell explained the difference between fee-for-service and managed care and said Idaho will move to a comprehensive managed care model with three statewide plans, while retaining fee-for-service for some groups such as tribal members who opt out. The department’s goals include cost containment, better quality and coordination, improved efficiency, provider stability, and keeping managed care organizations invested in Idaho. She said the rollout would be phased: the request for proposals is planned for October, contract awards for May, phase one go-live in January 2029 for all services except developmental disability services, and phase two in January 2031 for developmental disability services. O’Connell described extensive stakeholder outreach, including listening sessions, a request for information, and meetings with providers, participants, managed care organizations, and tribal representatives. Common concerns raised were payment delays, continuity of care, network adequacy, behavioral health and developmental disability services, and the need for clear, consistent contract requirements and performance measures. She said the department is reviewing other states’ contracts and developing about 50 program design decisions to shape the new contract. Senator Wintrow asked about EPSDT after repeal of a statutory section in HB 345. O’Connell said early periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment services remain federally required and still apply regardless of state statutory changes. She said families have recently raised concerns about whether those protections remain in place, and she confirmed they do. No votes or formal committee actions were taken, and the chair adjourned the meeting after noting the next meeting would be announced later.

Transcript Highlights:

• Services.
• community based services that services community based services are<01:07:43.039><c> um</c><01:07:43.599
• inadequate language services, and inadequate language services. services. services.
• </c> act as a hub for these services. act as a hub for these services.
• service.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We call those core services.
• to provide legal services and professional guardianship services for clients.
• to provide legal services and professional guardianship services for clients.
• services.
• That's why we're paying contractual services For legal services.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• service agreements renew. service agreements renew.
• . services. services.
• where</c><00:58:28.120><c> the</c> Service Corps service places where the Service Corps service places
• ,</c><01:19:54.960><c> SUD</c><01:19:55.520><c> services,</c> mental health services, SUD services, mental
• </c> get paid for their services. get paid for their services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> regulated by the Kentucky Public Service regulated by the Kentucky Public Service Commission.
• </c> the rate payers in the service area. the rate payers in the service area.
• </c> states that the monopoly of service states that the monopoly of service territories<00:10:36.200
• </c> case in some service areas. case in some service areas.
• Again, these utilities were granted monopolies within these service territories to service them.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:38 SB 213 Discussion 00:01:23 SB 213 Roll Call Vote 00:20:45 SB 8 Discussion 00:26:23 SB 8 Roll Call Vote 00:58:16, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• services and, you know, or worse.
• </c> it's a total of 300 shoppable services it's a total of 300 shoppable services and<00:49:01.720><
• </c><00:49:46.520><c> you're</c> for Whatever item or service you're for Whatever item or service you're
• </c><00:50:57.559><c> but</c> estimate in advance of services but estimate in advance of services but
• </c><00:54:29.920><c> area</c> conditions that of their service area conditions that of their service

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:16 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 25:49 Discussion of Hospital Rate Improvement Plan 58:50 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee began by reviewing a large slate of administrative regulations and explaining that it does not approve regulations but can find them deficient and send them back for further work. Members then asked questions on several items, including EMS reciprocity, dental hygienist licensure, and interpreter licensure. The EMS board explained that reciprocity would extend to applicants from any state, not just contiguous states, because the underlying statute had been amended. On the dental regulation, staff said the changes mainly clarified licensure requirements, reinstatement fees, and that dental hygienists administering local anesthetic must do so under direct dentist supervision. The most extended discussion involved the Board of Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The board chair said the main concern was that the EIPA is an educational specialty assessment, not a nationally recognized certification, yet the regulation would allow it to support full licensure. Members discussed whether that could let educational interpreters work outside their intended scope and whether a separate educational license or statutory change would be more appropriate. The board said it did not think the regulation could be fixed further at this point and suggested a statute could create a narrower educational interpreter license. After discussion, the committee voted to defer both related interpreter regulations, 201 KAR 39:030 and the companion regulation, for further work. The committee then took up two community mental health regulations, 907 KAR 1:044 and 907 KAR 5:005, which had been found deficient in Administrative Regulations. Department for Medicaid Services staff said the rules would expand and rename the mental health associate role as a behavioral health associate, making the role available in many more facilities, but would also require additional coursework or progress toward licensure. Some members and providers raised access-to-care concerns, especially for rural areas and unlicensed staff already working in the field. Staff said the proposal had been revised through work with CMHCs and licensing boards, but the committee ultimately voted to defer both regulations as well. After finishing the regulation review, the committee heard a presentation from the Kentucky Hospital Association on the ATRIP hospital rate improvement program. Hospital representatives said ATRIP is a Medicaid state-directed payment program funded through a provider tax and federal matching dollars, allowing hospitals to receive payments tied to quality measures. They reported improvements including lower Medicaid readmissions, high sepsis screening rates, reduced infections and opioid prescribing, expanded postpartum depression and suicide screening, and training for more than 1,000 people. They said the program has helped hospitals invest in staffing and quality improvement and warned that without it, many hospitals would face severe financial strain.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eskamani: There has been some discussion about services that we get, that the cost of those services
• , planning and service at risk.
• We did not ask for service cuts. We did not ask for cuts to our police, fire, local services.
• One hundred years of service in my family.
• Public health services? Meal programs?

Transcript Highlights:

• The list of services I gave you are the male services.
• To do the list of services for men's health, the list of services for women's health, and no other issue
• And so, think about the services.
• But think about the other services—services that people cannot get through Medicaid anymore.
• that these valuable services Which is a whole array of services, are maintained here in the state.

Transcript Highlights:

• and pregnancy-related services.
• Seniors use more services, and they use more costly services as is medically needed when you age.
• And we are Health and Human Services, not American-only services.
• with providing that service.
• those particular services, yes.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• you have medical services and Mental Health<00:38:22.319><c> Services</c><00:38:23.200><c> allinone</
• who is providing those services.
• We provide primary care, dental services, behavioral health services, and substance abuse services for
• </c><03:38:33.120><c> Services</c><03:38:33.720><c> which</c> Emergency Medical Service Services which
• c> other</c> and services Adult Services and other and services Adult Services and other critical<04:

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee opened a public hearing on House Bills 1 and 2, which concern the governor’s proposed FY 2026-2027 budget. The chair explained that the committee must fit the budget to House Ways and Means revenue, which is about $800 million below the governor’s estimate in an almost $16 billion budget. He also noted a projected current-budget overspend, the impact of recently passed legislation, possible fee updates, no new tax proposals at that time, and the importance of federal funding and Medicaid stability. Testimony was limited to three minutes, with the chair asking speakers to avoid duplication. Much of the testimony focused on Medicaid, disability services, and home- and community-based care. Speakers urged the committee to restore or protect funding for transportation, Medicaid, day programs, in-home supports, and behavioral health services. Several individuals and providers described how cuts would affect people with disabilities, medically fragile children, and families who rely on services to remain employed and avoid institutional care. A home care provider argued that a proposed 3% Medicaid cut would increase hospitalizations and costs, while a behavioral health representative asked for sustainable Medicaid rates, uncompensated care support, housing resources, and continued funding for community behavioral health clinics. Another major topic was the Group II retirement provisions in HB 2 for public safety workers. Representatives from police, fire, corrections, probation/parole, and related associations testified in support, saying prior pension changes hurt recruitment and retention, pushed experienced workers to neighboring states, and should be reversed to restore promised benefits. They argued the provisions would help keep public safety careers viable and honor commitments made to first responders. An executive counselor also warned that when the state shifts costs away from itself, local property taxpayers bear the burden, and she opposed cost shifts such as Medicaid premiums and universal vouchers. A separate speaker urged funding public schools rather than universal vouchers, arguing vouchers can leave other students behind as resources are diverted.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> health and Department of Human Services health and Department of Human Services for<00:04:51.560
• </c> Reliant first on Emergency Services Reliant first on Emergency Services being<00:15:29.839><c> called
• </c> heard in human services heard in human services and<00:24:59.720><c> we</c><00:24:59.880><c> will
• </c> hospital so we can share those Services hospital so we can share those Services back<00:54:43.760
• We also provide follow-up services to connect individuals with ongoing services to prevent future crises

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We offer a diverse type of services.
• Then there are our dental services.
• , and then we have the Veterans Service offices.
• , and then we have the Veterans Service offices.
• And I'm also grateful for the service of Executive Director of Veterans Florida Joe Marino for his service

Summary: The committee took up SB 116 by Senator Burgess, a veterans bill aimed at several FDVA-related changes. The bill would reduce annual nominations to the Florida Veterans Hall of Fame from 20 to 5, expand FDVA’s survey work to assess veterans’ awareness of available programs and their health literacy, add mental health training to the veterans suicide prevention pilot, strengthen coordination and reporting between Veterans Florida and FDVA, direct FDVA to develop a plan for adult day health care facilities statewide, and allow the Florida Veterans Foundation to use a portion of Gadsden flag plate proceeds for administrative costs. Senator Burgess said the measure builds on prior “Forward March” efforts and helps close service gaps for aging veterans and others who may not know about available benefits. Testimony on SB 116 was uniformly supportive. FDVA leadership said adult day health care could be added at existing facilities such as Port St. Lucie and Lake City, and that the state would need authority and funding to move forward. A veterans legal collaborative, AARP Florida, and Endeavors all voiced support, with speakers emphasizing the importance of better outreach, mental health awareness, and care options that allow veterans to remain at home. The committee then voted favorably on SB 116. The remainder of the meeting was devoted to agency and stakeholder presentations. Florida National Guard officials described a high operational tempo, deployments at home and abroad, hurricane response efforts, and the need to grow the force and infrastructure. FDVA’s adjutant general reported Florida now has the nation’s second-largest veteran population, rising in-migration of younger veterans, a large and aging Vietnam-era population, strong claims and outreach activity, declining veteran homelessness, and improved suicide prevention outcomes. The Florida Veterans Foundation outlined its emergency relief, dental, transportation, and license-plate-funded programs, while Veterans Florida and CareerSource Florida detailed workforce, apprenticeship, SkillBridge, entrepreneurship, and job-fair programs for veterans and spouses, along with efforts to expand recurring funding and better protect customer information.