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Bill

LB 970

Require the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a state plan amendment to include a program of early literacy promotion and intervention in well-child visits under the early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment services program

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by John Cavanaugh and 1 co-sponsor

Nebraska would require Medicaid to add literacy screening and intervention services to children's routine preventive care visits to improve early reading development.

Cavanaugh, J. name added
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Bill Summary · LB 970

Legislative bill overview

LB 970 requires Nebraska's Department of Health and Human Services to submit a state plan amendment incorporating early literacy promotion and intervention into well-child visits covered under Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) services program. This would integrate literacy screening and support into routine pediatric care for eligible children.

Why is this important

Early literacy development is a critical predictor of long-term academic success and economic outcomes, yet disparities in early reading skills emerge before kindergarten. By embedding literacy interventions into existing well-child visit infrastructure, the bill aims to reach vulnerable populations (low-income children) at a preventive stage when interventions are most effective, potentially reducing later special education referrals and remedial costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and funding: The bill requires a state plan amendment but doesn't specify funding mechanisms, raising questions about whether existing EPSDT budgets will be stretched or new appropriations are needed
  • Scope and standards ambiguity: The bill doesn't define what "early literacy promotion and intervention" entails, leaving uncertainty about required provider training, screening tools, and service intensity
  • Provider capacity and training: Primary care pediatricians may lack formal literacy assessment training and may resist additional screening responsibilities without adequate reimbursement or professional development resources

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

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