Video & Transcript Research : 'waiver programs'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Appropriation and Revenue. (1-28-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- But nursing facility cost increases, waiver rates, the various waivers I'll talk about in a few minutes
- >
the <00:21:00.640>various increases, waiver rates, the various increases, waiver rates - bridge program.
- <00:43:22.560>
in current budget for two new programs in current budget for two new programs - million for the county bridge program. million for the county bridge program.
Summary:
The committee met to hear a presentation from Dr. Hicks on the governor’s recommended budget for the next biennium. He reviewed the revenue outlook, noting modest general fund growth, a large rainy day fund balance, and the impact of recent income tax reductions. He said the budget was built around recurring reductions, lower debt service and retirement contribution rates, and the use of excess restricted funds, while protecting K-12 education, Medicaid, postsecondary education, public safety, and pension obligations.
Dr. Hicks outlined several major spending and reserve proposals, including $350 million from the Department of Insurance’s excess restricted funds to support Medicaid in the first year, $150 million for the affordable housing trust fund, $125 million for rural hospitals, $100 million to offset lost federal ACA premium tax credits, $75 million for utility assistance, and $50 million for food assistance. In education, the proposal included a phased pre-K for all plan funded by sports wagering tax revenue, a 3% annual salary increase for full-time school personnel, continued full funding of teacher pensions, a 2.5% annual increase in SEEK base funding, and additional support for career and technical education and school facilities.
He also discussed Medicaid cost pressures, including higher managed care, pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing facility costs, and explained the expected effects of federal HR1 changes on Kentucky’s Medicaid program. Those changes include work and community engagement requirements and more frequent eligibility redeterminations for expansion members, which the administration estimated would reduce enrollment by about 4,300 in the first year and 28,000 in the second year. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the meeting, which was limited to the budget presentation and member questions.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Would you be open to limiting it for those who have an economic need for the waiver of this tax?
- Can we say, because could there be disabled veterans who don't need the fee waiver?
- You could make the same argument for the waiver in place.
- in place uh there is a process waiver in place uh there is a process for<01:29:01.080>
National - And they may also require, I mean, they may be in financial hardship and could benefit from this waiver
Summary:
The Committee on Public Safety heard testimony on several bills. HB 628 HD1, relating to education, would reinstate a prior law allowing veterans whose high school education was interrupted by wartime to receive a diploma. Testimony was generally supportive from the Office of Veterans Services, the Department of Education, the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and an individual testifier, with one person in opposition. The committee later recommended passage of HB 628 HD1 as is, and the motion was adopted.
The committee also heard HB 1158 HD1 and HB 1159 HD1, both relating to commercial harbors. HB 1158 HD1 concerns firefighting at commercial harbors and drew support from the Department of Transportation; the committee recommended passage as is and adopted the recommendation. HB 1159 HD1 would require masters or persons in charge of vessels to comply with a Harbor Master’s order to evacuate a commercial harbor during emergencies. Testimony included support from Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Transportation, and comments from the Hawaii Harbor Users Group. Members raised concerns about small boat operators and safety, and the committee passed the bill with reservations.
The committee then discussed HB 1262, relating to the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund, and HB 1296, relating to the major disaster fund. Supporters of HB 1262 included the Climate Advisory Team and AARP Hawaii, while the Department of Budget and Finance cautioned about duplication of benefits with federal disaster aid and the need to preserve the fund’s primary purpose. Members questioned how the bill would interact with federal assistance and whether the fund could be used more broadly; no vote was taken, and the bill was deferred to decision-making. On HB 1296, HEMA and Budget and Finance opposed the measure, citing the need for flexibility in emergencies and concerns that added reporting requirements could hinder response efforts, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii noted the major disaster fund is much smaller than the EBF. The committee likewise deferred HB 1296 to decision-making, and the meeting adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, so the program is funded through two different sources.
- In 2003, through legislation, we came up with our program, the Homes for Texas Heroes program.
- We call it the TBA program, "to be announced."
- I may add this program was created for Texas heroes, and that's the name of the program: Homes for Texas
- Senator Nichols is adding the nurses to the same program.
Bills:
SB250, SB375, SB536, SB845, SB1633, SB1944, SB1957, SB2081, SB2137, SB2262, SB2299, SB2419, SB2452, SB2522, SB2549, SB2594, SB2605, SB2631, SB2639, SB2675, SB3029, SJR60, HB22, HB1392, HB2525, HB22
Keywords:
municipal annexation, railroad, adjacent areas, local government, property rights, healthcare provider, Harris County Hospital District, hospital funding, healthcare services, public health program, home loans, nurses, veterans, public servants, Texas Heroes program, low-interest loans, social workers, housing assistance, SB 1633, Texas Tax Code
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Health and Human Services Oversight Committee (05/29/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- We go to redeterminations every program. We go to redeterminations every 6<00:08:50.360>
months. - It was a key senator in developing the rural healthcare transformation program funding.
- It was a key senator in developing the rural healthcare transformation program funding.
- <00:33:58.800>
that according to laws and our programs that according to laws and our programs - Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Annual Report, Mr.
Summary:
The committee met on May 29 and approved the draft minutes. DHHS Commissioner Weaver then opened the department update by asking Medicaid Director Henry Litman to brief members on federal and state Medicaid changes, and later turned to DHHS Chief Operating Officer David Weathers for an update on data governance. Members also asked that acronyms be spelled out in future materials and requested a follow-up on the federal Medicaid rule once it is published.
Litman reviewed several federal Medicaid provisions tied to HR 1/"OBBA" and related state implementation issues. He said the first major change would be restrictions on certain non-citizens’ Medicaid coverage, affecting about 400 people in New Hampshire, with notices likely 30 to 60 days before the effective date. He also discussed new work requirements/community engagement rules, saying New Hampshire is on track to implement them and will likely need a state plan amendment rather than an 1115 waiver. Other changes included shorter retroactive coverage periods, a new state option for certain community-based services with an estimated $740,000 in implementation support, a freeze and phased-down reduction in the Medicaid enhancement tax beginning in state fiscal year 2029, and limits on directed payments to hospitals after a grandfathering period. He also noted that Medicaid enrollment has fallen from pandemic-era levels, with about 167,000 people covered as of May 1, and that the department is working with CMS on child premiums and other cost-sharing changes approved in HB 2.
Committee members asked how the department could plan for the 2029 changes given the number of elections before then, and Litman said federal rules may be adjusted over time as states and stakeholders raise concerns. He emphasized planning for the worst while hoping for the best, and said rural health care transformation funding would help the state prepare. In the second presentation, Weathers explained that data governance is now embedded in DHHS operations to control access, manage reporting, and respond to risk. He defined it as managing what data is collected, how it is used, who can access it, and what laws apply, and said DHHS has moved from governance as a committee to governance as an operational process. He described privacy impact assessments for new systems going into production, monthly privacy and security training, and ongoing review of access controls and data-sharing rules.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I'm just not familiar with this program.
- I'm, I'm not for a person that's not familiar with what this program is.
- Yes, so the program is funded through 2 different sources.
- Chairman, if I may add, this program was created for Texas heroes, and that's the name of the program
- on an issue, but blanket waiver of sovereign immunity.
Bills:
SB 250, SB 375, SB 536, SB 845, SB 1633, SB 1944, SB 1957, SB 2081, SB 2137, SB 2262, SB 2299, SB 2419, SB 2452, SB 2522, SB 2549, SB 2594, SB 2605, SB 2631, SB 2639, SB 2675, SB 3029, SJR 60, HB 22, HB 1392, HB 2525
Keywords:
municipal annexation, railroad, adjacent areas, local government, property rights, healthcare provider, Harris County Hospital District, hospital funding, healthcare services, public health program, home loans, nurses, veterans, public servants, Texas Heroes program, low-interest loans, social workers, housing assistance, SB 1633, Texas Tax Code
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Appr/Sub-General Government and Transportation Jan 13th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Our job is to execute that program with excellence.
- Another example is in our waiver request.
- for us to get that waiver request through the process.
- I briefly mentioned our first-time driver program.
- So, we want to launch a pay for performance program this year.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Dec 9th, 2025
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security
Transcript Highlights:
- I have a very robust wellness program.
- I have a very robust wellness program.
- , what we call SHISGAP programs.
- , what we call Schisgap program. from state Homeland Security programs, what we call Schisgap programs
- You know, it’s so Safe Heroes program.”
Summary:
The committee heard presentations on domestic security and public safety priorities from Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison and Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Rebel. Sheriff Harrison outlined Florida Sheriffs Association priorities, including reclassifying xylazine as a Schedule I controlled substance with a veterinary-use exemption, expanding enforcement of pretrial release violations beyond domestic violence cases, providing tuition-waiver benefits for sheriff’s office personnel, advancing the Jason Rainer Act to increase penalties for violent offenses against law enforcement, extending sex-offender residency restrictions, improving access to mental-health-related databases, and continuing support for fusion centers and Florida model jail standards. Members asked questions about xylazine’s veterinary use, canine detection, and public records burdens on small agencies; no votes were taken on these items.
Chief Rebel focused on the Florida Police Chiefs Association’s role in disaster response, officer training, and wellness. He described the association’s coordination through the state EOC and regional deployments during hurricanes, then emphasized officer suicide and the need for statewide wellness resources, peer support, and accessible behavioral health care for first responders. He also referenced prior PTSD benefits legislation and urged continued support for the PCIS program and other wellness initiatives. Committee members discussed related resources such as dispatcher support, the Restore program at UCF, hyperbaric chamber treatment for PTSD, and canine support organizations.
On domestic security funding, Rebel said FPCA does not have a specific bill package but wants to preserve the Domestic Security Oversight Council and regional task forces, protect limited SHISGAP funding for new projects, and shift ongoing successful programs to state funding. He also supported fixing the long-gun carry loophole, continuing the Jason Rainer Act effort, allowing ethical law-enforcement use of AI with human review, addressing monetization of public records and body-camera footage, and maintaining the ability to investigate anonymous complaints. The committee adjourned after discussion; no formal action or votes were recorded.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 2 - 03/17/26
Health and Human Services
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget 3rd Revised Apr 13th, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget
Transcript Highlights:
- Is that on neglect and abuse prevention programs?
- program. Thank you for that.
- That again will be part of a larger innovation program.
- I know that we have invested heavily in this program.
- , who's been doing the training on the program, requested that they take that program over.
Bills:
HB4030, HB4031, HB4032, HB4033, HB4034, HB4035, HB4036, HB4037, HB4038, HB4039, HB4040, HB4041, HB4042, HB4043, HB4044, HB4045, HB4046, HB4047, HB4048, HB4049, HB4050, HB4051, HB4052, HB4053, HB4054, HB4056, HB4057, HB4065, HB4067, HB4071, HB4072, SB1144, SB1145, SB1146, SB1147, SB1148, SB1149, SB1156, SB1157, SB1158, SB1159, SB1161, SB1162, SB1163, SB1164, SB1165, SB1166, SB1167, SB1174, SB1175, SB1176
Keywords:
education funding, budget appropriations, public schools, teachers' retirement, early childhood education, aeronautics, infrastructure, funding, sustainability, Oklahoma, mining, operator fees, coal production, noncoal mining, department of mines, revenue, state budget, budgetary reform, financial legislation, fiscal accountability
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- right to challenge the validity of an ordinance by providing a clear and unambiguous explanation. waiver
- Then, there’s an express waiver of immunity for enforcement of the code by an action through mandamus
- Because it exists, there is a waiver of immunity built into that, but cities will argue that there is
- Our catastrophic sick leave program has been very effective. Successful at Dallas County.
- And we're very much looking forward to being able to implement this program as well.
Keywords:
family leave, leave pool, county employee, sick leave, vacation leave, family care, pandemic, guardianship, HB 554, fireworks, Juneteenth, Juneteenth holiday, retail fireworks permit, Texas Occupations Code, Local Government Code, county commissioners court, drought conditions, Texas A&M Forest Service, fire safety, holiday sales
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Press Conference: Republican Leaders Present Bills to Curb Government Waste - 03/17/25
Transcript Highlights:
- So if you like a program or hate a program, it shouldn't matter. The program should still function.
- <00:08:17.280>
it <00:08:17.400>shouldn't a program or hate a program it shouldn't - a program or hate a program it shouldn't matter<00:08:18.680>
the <00:08:18.879>program - Minnesota's spending is mostly in special education and disability service waivers.
- Why not do an investigation into Democratic programs that have passed?
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Commerce and Economic Development Jan 30th, 2026 at 07:51 pm
House Commerce & Economic Development Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's one of the great programs that we have in New Mexico.
- Great programs that we have in New Mexico.
- are probably the best programs in New Mexico to help firms scale.
- The Trigger program changed the trajectory for our company.
- They don't want any waivers.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Postsecondary Mar 10th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS LEGISLATION SHIFTS ALLEGATIONS OF FINANCIAL FEES AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS TO UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS
- THIS PROVIDES TUITION AND FEE WAIVERS FOR ACTIVE FLORIDA STATE HEART GUARD MEMBERS SIX CREDIT HOURS PER
- LOCATED IN AREAS OF RURAL OPPORTUNITY, REQUIRES FUNDS FOR THE EXCELLENT NURSING PROGRAM TO BE USED FOR
- HEALTHCARE RELATED INDUSTRY PROGRAMS DIRECTING FUNDS TO CRITICAL WORKFORCE NEEDS, HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY
- THIS REPEALS THE OUT-OF-STATE WAIVER FOR RESIDENT STUDENTS, PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES SHOULD PRIORITIZE FLORIDA
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Finance Dec 10th, 2025 at 08:35 am
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development Mar 19th, 2025
Trade, Workforce & Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- , which we've referred to as CDW or damage waiver and, um, and they request it for longer than 30 days
- This programs I see funding for new technologies and innovation across all industry sectors.
- US based small businesses with less than 500 employees are eligible to participate in these programs.
- HB 1268 creates the Texas Technology Innovation Program, TTIP housed within the office.
- I, I don't, I don't believe that this would be a program. That would be cut.
Bills:
HB 186
Keywords:
public funds, lobbying activities, political subdivisions, government expenditure, transparency, local government, political subdivision, county, city, municipality, special district, taxpayer-funded lobbying, lobbying restriction, registered lobbyist, government association, county association dues, Texas Legislature, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, Chapter 556
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (02/11/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- those uh statutes and and those programs those uh statutes and and those programs um<01:29:55.960
- 212 allowing 180 day operation waiver 212 allowing 180 day operation waiver when<01:55:48.000>
209 uh in order to revise the program 209 uh in order to revise the program that<02:06:16.679> rules for an economic hardship waiver rules for an economic hardship waiver already<02:06:58.840 - when the emissions inspection program when the emissions inspection program was<03:46:34.800>
Summary:
The Transportation Committee held a public hearing on HB 249, which would allow bicycles, and in the bill’s language human-powered vehicles and e-bikes, to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when safe. The bill sponsor, Rep. Seth Miller, said the measure is intended to improve cyclist safety and traffic flow at no cost to the state, citing Idaho and Delaware as examples where similar laws were associated with fewer crashes or injuries. He emphasized that the bill would remain optional, would not let cyclists ignore cross traffic, and would help riders avoid the unstable “wobble” that comes from repeatedly stopping and starting, especially on cargo bikes or other heavier bicycles.
Committee members raised concerns about predictability, liability, and whether the proposal creates a special class of vehicle. Rep. Crawford asked why the bill also addresses left turns on red for one-way streets; Miller said that provision is meant to address situations where bicycles do not trigger signal equipment and could otherwise be stranded at a light. Rep. Gannon questioned the lack of explicit liability language, and Miller said he did not know of a separate provision but would be open to an amendment if the committee wanted clearer language. Rep. Hill and Rep. Emble expressed concern that other drivers would not know what cyclists intend to do and that the bill could create special rules; Miller responded that cyclists would still be required to yield and that the law would not change right-of-way rules.
Several witnesses testified in support. Michael Frank, a Spofford cyclist and League cycling instructor, said the bill would help him safely commute and carry heavy groceries by reducing the effort and exposure involved in restarting after a full stop. Tim Blagden, former head of the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire, said the bill reflects how many people already ride, saves energy and time, and would still require cyclists to stop at red lights unless the intersection is clear. He also noted that traffic signals often do not detect bicycles. No vote was taken during the hearing.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (4-13-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Allow written request for waiver of licensing requirements for certain racing participants who qualify
- Allow written request<00:08:46.440>
for <00:08:46.600>waiver <00:08:47.040>of <00 - :08:47.160>
licensing request for waiver of licensing request for waiver of licensing requirements - But the program we information notice.
- So, we're doing that new program.
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.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- programs.
- Funds, which reward excellence nursing programs, to be used for healthcare industry-related programs,
- We adjust the grandparent resident tuition waiver, specifically for a grandparent fee waiver to apply
- It’s in a specific program.
- For example, the College Reach-Out Program, in which we’re changing the College Reach-Out Program to
Summary:
The committee first heard CS for CS for SB 344, which would modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 based on Public Service Commission recommendations. The bill drew no opposition and was reported favorably. Members then took up several Senator Burton measures: CS for SB 714 on non-opioid advanced directives, which was amended to create a Department of Health website access point for a voluntary form allowing patients to notify providers they do not want opioid medications; CS for SB 738 on child care and early learning providers, which streamlines and updates child care regulation and was supported by industry and business groups; CS for SB 756 on health insurance coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, which removes the age-8 diagnosis limit and age cap for mandated autism-related coverage; and CS for CS for SB 1356, creating a Florida Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases at FSU and a newborn genetic testing pilot, later amended to add FIU and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to the board and remove specific appropriations. All of these bills were reported favorably.
The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1624 on higher education, a broad bill affecting tuition policies, workforce programs, institutional governance, and naming changes. The bill generated extended discussion over replacing references to “minority” with “underrepresented,” with the sponsor explaining the intent was to focus on low-income access and student support, while members raised concerns about impacts on majority-minority institutions and preeminence pathways. An amendment added guardrails for private religious postsecondary institutions by requiring public review of affidavits of compliance and giving the Commission for Independent Education enforcement authority. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. The committee then passed CS for SB 1626 on child welfare, which addresses military-family investigations, emergency shelter certification, children’s services council appointments, criminal-background exemptions, group-home rates, licensing extensions, small residential group homes, missing-children procedures, and psychotropic medication refills; it was amended to adjust council board composition and then reported favorably.
Additional bills approved included SB 178, directing Florida A&M University to conduct an agronomic study on emerging crops for land taken out of production; SB 1162, expanding boating improvement funding for trailer parking and offering lease incentives for clean marine manufacturers; CS for CS for SB 958, creating a type 1 diabetes early detection information program for parents and schools; CS for CS for CS for SB 1070, requiring ECGs for student athletes with phased implementation and exemptions, after extensive testimony from parents and advocates about sudden cardiac arrest; CS for SB 774, requiring electronic transmission of certain court orders to sheriffs within six hours; SB 1516, creating an International Aerospace Innovation Fund administered by Space Florida; SB 994, revising driver education requirements and prompting a commitment to add distracted-driving instruction; and CS for CS for SB 1402, expanding eligibility for dropout retrieval programs. The committee also took up SB 810 on stormwater management systems, amending it to focus annual inspections on vulnerable MS4 infrastructure. That bill drew significant opposition from the Florida League of Cities, counties, and stormwater groups, who argued the mandate would duplicate existing permit requirements and impose major costs, but supporters said it was a basic flood-prevention measure. The transcript ends during debate on SB 810, before a final vote is shown.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Banking & Insurance (2-19-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- program.
- The bill requires the creation of a framework for insurers to establish a gold carding or waiver program
- The program does not apply to the Medicaid program, but it does require that the commissioner of DMS
- <00:07:08.479>
program <00:07:09.479>the <00:07:09.759>participating a waiver - program the participating a waiver program the participating providers<00:07:11.160>
would <00
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:00
Roll Call: 00:13
HB423 Discussion: 01:38
HB423 Vote: 12:30
HB415 Discussion: 13:50
HB415 Vote: 15:13
HB390 Discussion: 16:30
HB390 Vote: 21:48
HB3 For Discussion Only: 23:15, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 423, a prior authorization reform measure sponsored by Representative Kim Moser. A committee substitute was adopted to clarify that the bill’s prior authorization exemption program does not apply to Medicaid. Supporters, including the Kentucky Medical Association, said the bill would reduce red tape, improve transparency, and let providers spend more time on patient care. The bill would create a framework for insurers to establish a gold carding or waiver program for certain health services, exclude prescription drugs, prohibit retrospective reviews based solely on an exemption, and require annual reporting by the Department of Insurance and the Department for Medicaid Services. After questions about how exemptions would work and whether the bill addressed repeat prior authorizations, the committee voted to pass HB 423 with favorable expression.
The committee then considered House Bill 415, sponsored by Representative Pollock and supported by AFLAC representatives. The bill was described as clarifying that health insurance coverage mandates are generally intended to apply only to primary major medical policies. With no substantive opposition or questions, the committee voted to pass HB 415 with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 390 from Chair Meredith, presented with support from multiple insurance industry representatives and the Department of Insurance. The bill would move motor vehicle insurance verification data from the old system to the CAVIS database and shorten the reporting turnaround from 30 days to a ceiling of seven days, with the possibility of a shorter period by regulation. After brief discussion and no objections, the committee voted to pass HB 390 with favorable expression. The committee also heard House Bill 3 for discussion only, sponsored by Representative Neighbors and supported by the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. The bill would require Kentucky Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for covered clinical services they already provide, aligning Medicaid with existing commercial insurance policy. Supporters argued it would improve access, especially in underserved areas, and could reduce emergency room use and improve outcomes; the bill was not voted on during this meeting.
NM