Video & Transcript : 'ABA services' :

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 5/11/26 - Part 3

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> to those who actually receive services. to those who actually receive services.
  • </c> Human Services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Human Services. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  • of providing services.
  • of providing services.
  • of providing services.
Keywords: 1183, house
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • Fund for the preschool developmental grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services
  • program in the Federal Grants Trust Fund from the grants and aids contracted services category.
  • and ambulance services.
  • Both trust funds are allocated within the investigative service budget entity.
  • , Director of Administrative Services, is recognized.
Keywords: 999, senate, all
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • Fund for the preschool developmental grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services
  • department receive the $14.751 million in additional budget authority within the Early Learning Services
  • Program in the Federal Grants Trust Fund from the grants and aids contracted services category.
  • and ambulance services.
  • Both trust funds are allocated within the investigative service budget entity.
Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met to consider 21 budget amendments, beginning with the Department of Education’s request for $14.751 million in federal grant authority for the Preschool Development Grant. Members asked whether any funds would support VPK or provider payments; the department said the money is for birth-to-kindergarten early learning work, including IT modernization, workforce credentialing, training, and streamlining director certification. The amendment was adopted without objection. The commission then approved amendments for the Department of Veterans Affairs to shift $2.2 million within its trust fund to cover higher nursing home occupancy and reduce staffing agency use, and for the Department of Health to realign about $9.1 million for disability determinations amid a backlog of roughly 140,000 cases. The Agency for Health Care Administration presented multiple Medicaid-related amendments, including $766 million for indirect medical education, $1.9 million for managed care network adequacy audits, $209 million for the Rural Health Transformation Program, and several large supplemental payment programs for KidCare, hospitals, physicians, cancer hospitals, nursing IME, and public hospital payments. Members questioned network adequacy, rural access, and the KidCare surplus and expansion; the KidCare realignment drew debate, with some members objecting because the 2023 eligibility expansion has not been implemented, but the amendment passed on a roll call vote. Other amendments adopted included FDLE’s $16.3 million for counter-UAS detection and mitigation equipment, DJJ’s $1.6 million for Florida Scholars Academy and a Social Services Block Grant realignment, and emergency management pass-throughs for FIFA World Cup security and counter-drone funding to the Miami host committee. The Department of Commerce received $148.4 million for disaster recovery under the CDBG-DR program, with questions about the split between housing, infrastructure, and administrative costs. The Department of State also received $408,377 for arts and culture grant authority. Most amendments were adopted without objection, and the commission adjourned after completing the agenda.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 3rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Medical Services Division accounts for costs paid to a private medical service provider for Idaho
  • Medical Services. Mr. Peterson, back to you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • Budget and Policy Analyst with Legislative Services.
  • Substance abuse services provides treatment services for children and adults as it relates to substance
  • essentially for those two separate services being offered.
Summary: The committee considered a series of Idaho Department of Corrections budget supplementals and FY 2027 enhancement requests, including Hepatitis C fund spending authority, county and out-of-state placement costs, medical services, management services replacement items, state prisons replacement items, and community corrections replacement items. Most of these motions passed with due-pass recommendations, though the county and out-of-state placement request drew some opposition before passing. Members also discussed a separate intent-language item directing IDOC to begin a request for information on community reentry centers; supporters said it could identify more efficient operations, while opponents raised concerns about staff workload, funding, and accountability. That language ultimately passed. The committee then turned to the Commission of Pardons and Parole, approving a FY 2026 fund shift to support operating and personnel costs and a FY 2027 dedicated-fund increase for OITS hardware and budget restoration. After that, the Department of Health and Welfare budgets were taken up. In the Division of Welfare, members heard about SNAP federal match changes under H.R. 1, Medicaid expansion work requirements, and Medicaid eligibility system changes; the combined motion failed in the House committee. The committee then approved a budget-neutral fund source change for Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention to align the Liquor Control Fund appropriation with the Cooperative Welfare Fund. For Behavioral Health, the committee approved Mental Health Services changes tied to juvenile corrections clinical transfer funding, restoration of staff and funding related to the Jeff D. settlement, Idaho Behavioral Health Plan growth, and Allenbaugh House funding, along with related transfer and reporting language. It also approved a Psychiatric Hospitalization supplemental shifting Idaho Behavioral Health Plan revenue from federal to dedicated funds, and a FY 2027 psychiatric hospitalization budget that included endowment and fund-source adjustments, replacement items, and the ongoing behavioral health plan shift. Finally, the committee corrected a prior college and universities motion to restore four FTP for risk managers transferred from the State Board office, then adjourned after noting upcoming budget-setting deadlines and the next meeting schedule.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 3rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • The Medical Services Division accounts for costs paid to a private medical service provider for Idaho
  • Mental Services. Mr. Peterson, back to you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • Budget and Policy Analyst with Legislative Services.
  • Substance abuse services provides treatment services for children and adults as it relates to substance
  • for those two separate services being offered.
Keywords: 989, all
Summary: The committee took up a series of Idaho Department of Corrections budget supplementals and FY 2027 enhancement requests. Members approved supplemental or ongoing funding for Hepatitis C treatment authority, county and out-of-state placement costs, medical services, management services replacement items and IT hardware, state prisons replacement items, and community corrections replacement items, with several motions passing by due pass recommendation after roll calls. In community corrections, the committee approved a reduced amount that excluded some vehicle replacements. The committee also approved a technical correction to the college and university budget to restore four FTP that had been omitted from yesterday’s motion. The committee then considered several Department of Health and Welfare items. It approved a budget-neutral fund source change for substance abuse treatment and prevention, moving $650,000 from the Liquor Control Fund to the Cooperative Welfare Dedicated Fund. In the Division of Welfare, members discussed SNAP administrative cost changes tied to H.R. 1, Medicaid expansion work requirements, and Medicaid eligibility system changes; the motion to fund all three items failed in the House committee, so no language advanced. The committee also approved psychiatric hospitalization supplemental funding to shift Idaho Behavioral Health Plan revenue from federal funds to dedicated funds. For FY 2027 mental health services, the committee approved a compromise package that reduced funding for a juvenile corrections clinical transfer and restored some mental health services staffing and Idaho Behavioral Health Plan costs, while adding Allenbaugh House funding through opioid settlement dollars. It also adopted language allowing certain transfers under state law and requiring separate reporting for children’s and adult mental health spending under the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan. For psychiatric hospitalization, the committee approved ongoing fund shifts for employee benefits, the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan, replacement items, and endowment fund adjustments. The meeting ended with notice of upcoming budget-setting work and a reminder for members to get any new motions to staff by early afternoon.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Care & Wellness Jan 16th, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • These include certain items and services recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force
  • For the items, services, and screenings recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force
  • Services Task Force and by the United States Health Resources and Services Administration, the applicable
  • Preventive Services Task Force. However... ...U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
  • Postal Service, common carriers, express companies, and interactive computer services.
Summary: The committee heard testimony on three health care bills. HB 1496 would cap charges for electronically stored medical records at $50 for patients and certain authorized recipients, while removing a free-copy provision tied to SSI/SSDI appeals and changing attorney fee language to “prevailing patient.” Supporters, including patient advocates, attorneys, and injured workers, said current record fees can reach thousands of dollars and block access to justice; opponents, including hospitals, home care providers, and records vendors, argued the bill would not cover the labor and HIPAA compliance work involved in large third-party requests and could shift costs to providers and patients. The bill remained in hearing with testimony continuing after the committee moved through other bills. HB 2182 would change how the Department of Corrections distributes its stockpile of mifepristone and misoprostol, removing the requirement that the medications be sold at cost plus a $5 fee and instead allowing, but not requiring, payment while directing DOC and the Department of Health to coordinate distribution to providers and facilities. The prime sponsor and supporters said the bill is needed so the state’s stockpile does not go unused or expire and to remove barriers to access for abortion and miscarriage care; opponents argued the bill subsidizes abortion, raises legal and taxpayer concerns, and should be rejected. Public testimony on HB 2182 was closed after hearing from both supporters and opponents. HB 2196 would require certain fully insured health plans to cover IVIG for PANS and PANDAS, with initial and medically necessary follow-up courses, and would bar denials based on prior treatment, age, out-of-state care when unavailable in Washington, or treatment guidelines that only address psychiatric symptoms. The sponsor, families, and physicians described severe, sudden-onset symptoms in children and said IVIG can be life-changing after other treatments fail, while insurers warned the mandate could add to already rising premiums and noted the treatment can be very expensive. HB 2242 would shift vaccine and preventive-service recommendation authority from federal bodies to the Department of Health, while preserving no-cost coverage for preventive services and updating the reference date for protected services; the governor, insurance commissioner, public health officials, and many physicians supported it as a way to preserve access amid federal instability and rising vaccine-preventable disease, while questions focused on whether the bill would change school or daycare requirements, which staff said it would not.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Tue Feb 3, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:56.240><c> We</c> service centers on election day. We service centers on election day.
  • at the service centers.
  • </c> Department of Human Services. Department of Human Services.
  • services.
  • </c><01:42:26.480><c> and</c><01:42:26.960><c> uh</c> services office of youth services and uh services
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard House Bill 1525, which would appropriate funds to counties to open more voter service centers for in-person voting, provide money to the Office of Elections to print and mail the voter information guide to all registered voters, and support a public outreach campaign to increase voter participation. The Office of Elections supported the bill and estimated costs of a little over $2 million to print and mail the guide and about $178,000 for outreach, noting it spent about $441,000 on election advertising in 2024. Testimony from advocacy groups including Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Common Cause Hawaii, and Indivisible Hawaii strongly supported the measure, emphasizing access for neighbor island voters, people with disabilities, new voters, and voters who need ballot assistance. County election officials from Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai provided comments or testimony that were more cautious. They said additional funding would be welcome, but staffing and logistics remain major constraints, especially for election-day service centers. Honolulu’s city clerk said funding alone would not necessarily solve long lines, while Maui’s county clerk explained that voter service centers require trained seasonal employees, extensive training, and the ability to handle many ballot styles. Maui also described its current pop-up sites, including Hana, as expensive but necessary for remote communities, and said the county is already running at bare minimum staffing. Members asked questions about who decides how many service centers are opened, how staffing is handled, and whether there is a middle-ground model between the old precinct polling places and the current voter service center system. Honolulu explained that county clerks make those decisions under current law and that the county has tried pop-up sites in addition to its main centers. The discussion also noted that in 2024 most voters used vote by mail, while a smaller number used early in-person voting or final-day service centers. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Mar 20th, 2026

Banking and Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • And we've also heard... ...to navigate the customer service system at their lender or servicer.
  • So again, forbearance request issues, issues dealing with customer service at their lender or servicer
  • So again, forbearance request issues, issues dealing with customer service at their lender or servicer
  • So in our case...” “...for a non-bank servicer, as the borrower is in forbearance, the servicer must
  • So in our case for a non-bank servicer, the non-bank servicer, as the borrower is in forbearance, the
Keywords: 988, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 04/14/26

Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . service. service.
  • </c> fire service in Minnesota is complex. fire service in Minnesota is complex.
  • to full-time fire service.
  • </c> country for fire service funding. country for fire service funding.
  • . service. service.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

House - Health and Human Services Feb 11th, 2026 at 08:33 am

House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • That House Health and Human Services is too long.
  • This bill is only addressing facility fees for specific services, and those services are listed in the
  • So the bill is only addressing facility fees for specific services, and those services are listed in
  • Those services are listed in the legislation, so they are preventive health care services, including
  • services that are provided in a patient's vehicle, vaccination services, and telehealth services.
Keywords: 996, all
FL

Florida 2026 Regular Session

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Feb 5th, 2025

Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • And FATA became the services arm so that our legacy contracts are under that services arm, including
  • So help me to understand: how do you perform these services?
  • And then lastly, protective services.
  • FDLE's services cover the entire state in certain disciplines and all of our additional services, while
  • FDLE's services cover the entire state in certain disciplines and all of our additional services, while
Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met to continue its review of performance measurement in the criminal justice system. The first presentation, from State Courts Administrator Eric McClure, described how the court system uses multiple data sources to track filings, dispositions, clearance rates, workload, and support services, and how those data inform judge need, budget requests, resource allocation, and court administration. He also discussed ongoing efforts to improve case-level reporting, the use of case management systems in trial and appellate courts, and performance efforts in problem-solving courts and civil case management. McClure noted that the legislature provides dedicated funding for problem-solving courts and for medication-assisted treatment, and that the courts are required to report outcomes and monitor compliance with contract requirements. Melanie Brown-Whor of the Florida Behavioral Health Association then reviewed the medication-assisted treatment program funded through the courts budget. She said the program combines medication with counseling and behavioral supports, serves people involved in or at risk of criminal justice involvement, and has expanded over time to include additional medications and more counties. She reported improved engagement and retention, with more than 10,000 people screened over five years, about 9,200 receiving medication, and over 6,600 successfully discharged. Senators asked about racial and ethnic demographics, hospital referrals, and how services are delivered; Brown-Whor explained that local community providers deliver treatment under contract and that the program is working to improve data reporting and consistency. The Department of Law Enforcement then presented on investigations, forensics, and criminal justice information services. Deputy Commissioner Vaden Pollard outlined FDLE’s strategic plan and major investigative priorities, including cybercrime, targeted violence, crimes against children, mutual aid, and the SAFE fentanyl eradication program. He said SAFE has led to major seizures, arrests, and a reported decline in fentanyl deaths. Director Jason Bundy described FDLE’s forensic laboratory operations, DNA and rapid DNA capabilities, cold case and missing persons work, and the staffing and turnaround-time challenges tied to complex evidence testing. Director Lucy Saunders reviewed FDLE’s criminal history, biometric, incident-based crime reporting, and criminal justice transparency systems, noting that Florida is still transitioning agencies from summary reporting to incident-based reporting. The committee raised questions about Rapid DNA deployment, cold case coordination, and the slow pace of NIBRS/FIBRS adoption. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentations and questions.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Human Services Committee Apr 23rd, 2026

Transcript Highlights:
  • On behalf of the San Francisco County Human Services Administration, Family and Children Services Division
  • Good morning, Chair and members of the Human Services Committee.
  • Many parents simply don't know our services exist.
  • One in seven children who are eligible for services actually receive those services.
  • services.
Summary: The committee heard a series of child and family services bills, with testimony from authors, county officials, advocates, and members of the public. AB 2083 would authorize a regional child care special district for Marina Valley and Paris; there was no public opposition, but a vice chair raised concerns about lack of outreach to Riverside County and possible added fees for residents. The bill was held pending quorum and later noted as enjoying a due pass recommendation, though no final roll was taken in the excerpt. AB 1579, which expands the Children’s Crisis Continuum Pilot Program to allow additional CDSS-approved residential models, drew strong support from San Francisco County, Seneca Family of Agencies, and several counties and advocacy groups, who argued the current crisis residential model is financially and operationally unworkable and leaves youth in hospitals or emergency departments. The Youth Law Center and allied organizations opposed the bill, saying it departs from the original small, community-based crisis model and could lead to more institutional care. The committee passed the bill 6-0 to Appropriations. AB 1628 would extend California’s safe surrender window for newborns from 72 hours to 30 days. The author and fire service supporters said the change would better reflect postpartum recovery and help prevent unsafe abandonment; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. AB 1634, dealing with the “Kids” specialty license plate program, sought to raise plate fees and revise distribution formulas to generate more revenue for child safety and child care programs. Supporters said the update would modernize outdated 1992 pricing and expand county access, while a committee member objected that the bill would reallocate funds away from state agencies and private nonprofits; the bill was moved on a 5-0 vote with some members not voting. AB 1643 would streamline child support enrollment by having courts transmit support orders directly to child support agencies unless a custodial parent opts out. Supporters said automatic enrollment would reduce poverty and remove paperwork barriers, while opponents warned it could undermine parent choice and create problems for families with sensitive circumstances. The committee passed the bill 6-0. AB 1708 would require regions receiving HHAP homelessness funds to more meaningfully engage smaller cities; many city officials supported it as a way to include jurisdictions that are doing local homelessness work, while Los Angeles’ mayor’s office opposed it. The bill passed 5-0. AB 2395 would standardize access to the child support debt reduction program; supporters described it as a way to help low-income obligors escape uncollectible government-owed debt, while receiving parents and child support agencies warned it could reduce money owed to families and needs more work. The bill passed 4-0. The committee then began AB 1914, which would require local governments to plan for child care in general plans; supporters framed child care as essential infrastructure, while at least one member raised concerns about state mandates on local jurisdictions, and the excerpt ends before any vote.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Apr 20th, 2026

Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • It is a recognition of service-connected injuries and loss of earning capacity.
  • Thank you for your service.
  • officer, a county veteran service officer.
  • , and I also serve as the Nevada County Veterans Service Officer.
  • And please understand this: We will never forget your service and welcome home.
Keywords: 987, senate, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Transportation - 04/13/26

Transportation

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:04:52.880><c> is</c> Our Greater Minnesota bus service is Our Greater Minnesota bus service is
  • </c> and human services expenses. and human services expenses.
  • </c> Um we do have some crossover service Um we do have some crossover service that<00:15:20.920><c>
  • improvement</c> From the rail service improvement From the rail service improvement account<00:20:53.920
  • </c> air transportation services account. air transportation services account.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> agenda including the personal service agenda including the personal service contract<00:02:16.239
  • c> contract list, personal service contract contract list, personal service contract amendment<00:02:
  • </c> director of outreach services with KIA. director of outreach services with KIA.
  • </c> these services or anything like that? these services or anything like that?
  • </c> design services contracts are awarded. design services contracts are awarded.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the June 10 minutes, and then handled a routine agenda of contracts and agreements. It deferred one Kentucky Educational Television contract to the August 2025 meeting because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State, and then approved the remaining routine items on the PSC green list and related contract lists without objection. The most detailed discussion involved two personal service contracts for the Kentucky Employees Health Plan. Officials from the Personnel Cabinet and Department of Employee Insurance explained that the contracts were designed to identify claims errors and overspending, with vendors paid a percentage of validated savings recovered for the plan. Senators asked how the savings were calculated and whether the contracts had changed plan processes; staff said the contracts had produced realized savings, some errors had been corrected going forward, and the vendors report quarterly. The committee approved those contracts. The committee then took up a retroactive Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority contract for a customized College Info Road Show bus. Members questioned why the contract was being presented months after execution, why it involved an out-of-state vendor, and whether the purchase was reasonable and timely. KHEAA staff said the delay stemmed from the need to finalize sustainability and safety details after the RFP, and acknowledged internal process and staffing issues. Several members criticized the retroactive approval process and said they could not validate the purchase from the information provided, but the committee ultimately approved the contract after debate. A final KHEAA discussion focused on the purpose and value of the mobile outreach bus. Staff said the bus supports college and financial aid outreach, especially in rural areas, and has been used for 26 years. Some members questioned the return on investment and whether the state should rely more on broadband and remote outreach, while others supported the program as a way to reach students and families. The committee approved the KHEAA contract, with Senator Douglas voting no and explaining concerns about whether such outreach programs are the proper role of government and whether they are the best use of public funds.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Appropriations and Finance Feb 1st, 2025

House Appropriations & Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • We have a group within our special court services that focuses on our pretrial services, specifically
  • treatment services.
  • who can deliver that service.
  • We have no pre-trial services now.
  • As I said, we don't have any services now, so any services we get... ...would be great.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Veterans and Military Affairs Division 1/22/25

Veterans and Military Affairs Division

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> securing the benefits and services securing the benefits and services provided<00:12:03.519><c>
  • </c> congressionally chartered service congressionally chartered service organizations<00:19:31.640><
  • </c> legion's the largest service legion's the largest service organization<00:20:24.559><c> here</c>
  • Services ideally we want veterans to get Services ideally we want veterans to get to<00:38:43.119><c>
  • </c> assistant County Veteran service assistant County Veteran service officers<00:44:56.240><c> you<
Keywords: 1183, house
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • fees and in-state services preferences, and clarify requirements for each type of service.
  • fees and in-state services preferences, and clarify requirements for each type of service. >> If you
  • on sleep disorder service.
  • </c><00:20:36.240><c> What</c> services on sleep disorder service.
  • What services on sleep disorder service.
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting’s minutes, and then reviewed a series of administrative regulations from multiple agencies. Most of the regulations were presented as technical updates or policy clarifications, and in each case the committee approved staff-suggested amendments without objection. The Department of Revenue regulation would delete a section on tax credits for trusts and estates to align with statute. The Kentucky Public Pensions Authority package updated definitions, sick leave credit rules, hazardous/non-hazardous employment participation, refund procedures, contribution limits, mortality table references, and incorporated federal tax references. The Board of Medical Licensure regulations addressed renewal and activation of inactive physician-assistant licenses and renewal/reinstatement timelines for athletic trainer licenses. The Fish and Wildlife regulations revised rules for Otter Creek and Peabody areas by deleting definitions and creating shooting-range permit exemptions. The committee also heard emergency vocational rehabilitation regulations that would clarify definitions, due process rights, federal compliance, service fees, in-state service preferences, and service-specific requirements; a workforce insurance regulation updating contribution/reporting rules for professional employer organizations; and a horse racing regulation adding license categories for allied animal health professionals, animal chiropractors, and equine dental providers, while updating fees, application timing, and special events licensing. Members asked questions about the horse racing licensure changes, and the agency explained they were responding to prior session changes and adding guardrails, including veterinarian sign-off for equine therapist licensure on the back side of a racetrack. The Department for Public Health package made several personnel and salary-related changes for local health departments, including salary ranges for new hires, probation and evaluation rules, salary increases after probation, and limits on certain leave payouts for employees who separate without proper notice or are dismissed for cause. The Office of Inspector General regulation added electronic prescription references and removed authority to create a new prescription number for partial dispensing of Schedule II prescriptions. The Department for Medicaid Services regulations updated provider group definitions, removed some service limits, required prior authorization for all genetic testing for non-MCO recipients, changed physician fee schedule updates from quarterly to annually, and added reimbursement for department-approved vaccines. Members asked detailed questions about genetic testing prior authorization and sleep disorder coverage; the agency said prior authorization is intended to take two to five days and that sleep disorder services generally involve sleep apnea-related treatments such as CPAP machines and sleep studies. The committee then adjourned and announced its next meeting for Tuesday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Local Government Apr 8th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • I mean, that would be huge for our senior services.
  • And it's a great service.
  • So these local services are helping to bridge the gap.
  • We're entertaining this for disability services.
  • We're saying we're cutting services for seniors.
Keywords: 959, house, all
AR

Arkansas 2026 Regular Session

ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026

ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:
  • We started with Children and Family Services. We did county operations.
  • through the fee-for-service.
  • through the fee-for-service.
  • They're an emergency department that has a lot of outpatient services.
  • They're an emergency department that has a lot of outpatient services.
Summary: The subcommittee met to review Arkansas DHS hospital spending and reimbursement methods, with Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks explaining Medicaid hospital payments. They described fee-for-service per diem payments, cost settlements, and the upper payment limit (UPL) program, noting that SFY 2025 hospital payments included $688 million in inpatient/outpatient claims, $473 million in UPL payments, $248 million in cost settlements, and about $47 million in other payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked about why per diem rates vary, how cost settlements work, why UPL applies mainly to private hospitals, and how assessment fees are structured and funded. DHS said the hospital assessment fee is broad-based and uniform, used as the state share to draw federal funds, and that supplemental hospital payments after federal match totaled $548 million with no general revenue used. The Arkansas Hospital Association’s Jody Ann Tritt then gave a broader overview of the hospital landscape, explaining the different hospital types in the state, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals. She said Arkansas hospitals face financial strain, citing a negative 5.18% patient service margin statewide and lower reimbursement than surrounding states. She argued that Arkansas hospitals are paid less than hospitals in neighboring states for similar services, that commercial payer rates and administrative burdens are a major problem, and that Medicaid and Medicare rates remain below cost even with UPL support. She also said hospitals are the backbone of community care, provide emergency and public health functions, and are looking for ways to invest in technology and telehealth but often lack the revenue to do so. Members pressed for clearer data on hospital finances, reimbursement adequacy, and the impact of commercial insurers. Tritt said the association had just authorized a statewide survey to gather updated financial information from hospitals, which she said would take about a year to complete. She also explained that Medicaid pays weekly, Medicare and commercial plans can involve delays and denials, and that hospitals often spend significant resources on revenue cycle work. The discussion ended with a brief update on assisted living reimbursement: DHS said one facility, The Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, nine Living Choices waiver clients were being transitioned, and the updated rate study would be available after cost reports are collected, likely before the end of the fiscal year. The meeting then adjourned.