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HF 959

A bill for an act relating to ventilator-dependent recipients who receive services under the medical assistance program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Heather Matson

HF 959 would require Medicaid ventilator services to be based on need, not age, and allow any qualified provider to deliver those services under DHHS rules.

Introduced, referred to Health and Human Services.
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Bill Summary · HF 959

Summary of HF 959 (Introduced March 13, 2025)

Purpose and Intent

HF 959 aims to establish Medicaid-focused regulatory requirements for ventilator-dependent recipients. The bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to adopt administrative rules that govern how ventilator services are provided under the Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). The core intent is to ensure access to ventilator services based on need rather than age and to broaden the pool of providers eligible to furnish these services to Medicaid-enrolled individuals.

Key Provisions

  • DHHS to adopt rules under chapter 17A for ventilator-dependent recipients in Medicaid.
  • Rules must require that ventilator services be provided based on the recipient’s need, not the recipient’s age.
  • Rules must permit any qualified provider to deliver ventilator services to a ventilator-dependent recipient enrolled in Medicaid.

Affected Parties

  • Ventilator-dependent recipients enrolled in Medicaid (the primary beneficiaries).
  • Qualified healthcare providers who may deliver ventilator services to Medicaid recipients (the bill broadens eligibility to any qualified provider, per the introduced language).
  • The Department of Health and Human Services, which would develop and enforce the new rules.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Introduced and referred to Health and Human Services.
  • Introduced date: March 13, 2025.
  • The bill authorizes rulemaking by DHHS but does not specify an effective date or funding provisions within the introduced text. Implementation would occur through the state rulemaking process under chapter 17A.

Implementation Details and Potential Implications

  • Regulatory Change: The legislation would shift how ventilator services are allocated under Medicaid by prioritizing need over age and by expanding provider eligibility.
  • Access and Equity: By removing age-based constraints and allowing any qualified provider to participate, access to ventilator services could become more equitable for Medicaid beneficiaries.
  • Administrative Process: Implementation would require DHHS to draft, publish, and adopt rules through the state administrative rules process, including potential stakeholder input and potential comment periods.
  • Cost and Capacity: While not specified in the text, expanded provider participation or changes in need-based criteria could impact utilization and program costs; practical budgeting and monitoring would likely follow rule adoption.

Sponsor

  • Primary: MATSON

This summary captures the introduced bill’s stated objectives and provisions, along with the anticipated regulatory path and potential impacts on Medicaid ventilator services.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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