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AB 556

Revises provisions relating to Medicaid. (BDR 38-1117)

2025 Regular Session

Creates a Beneficiary Advisory Council to advise on Medicaid access, quality, and equity, with beneficiary representation guiding policy alongside a renamed Medicaid Advisory Commi

Chapter 333.
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Bill Summary · AB 556

AB 556 — Summary (Chapter 333, 2025)

Title: Revises provisions relating to Medicaid. (BDR 38-1117)
Enacted: Chapter 333; Approved by Governor June 5, 2025

Purpose

AB 556 revises Nevada statutory law to (1) create a Beneficiary Advisory Council within the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP) of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and (2) rename and revise the existing Medical Care Advisory Committee to the Medicaid Advisory Committee. The changes align state law with federal Medicaid requirements (42 C.F.R. § 431.12) and increase beneficiary representation in Medicaid policy and program development.

Key provisions and changes

  • Creates the Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) within DHCFP to advise the Medicaid Advisory Committee on:
    • The lived experience of Medicaid recipients;
    • Access to Medicaid-covered services, quality, and health outcomes;
    • Strategies to promote health equity for Medicaid recipients.
  • BAC membership requirements:
    • Includes one member of DHCFP executive leadership and at least four beneficiary-related members: at least two current Medicaid recipients and at least two additional persons who are current/former recipients or have direct experience supporting recipients.
    • The Council must have enough members to satisfy the concurrent‑service requirement with the Medicaid Advisory Committee (see below).
    • Members serve 2‑year staggered terms; members may not serve consecutive terms.
  • Member support and compensation:
    • Members generally serve without compensation but receive per diem and travel reimbursement when conducting Council/Committee business.
    • Medicaid recipients serving on the BAC (and similarly on the Committee) may also receive practical supports (e.g., transportation vouchers, child care reimbursement, or other necessary reimbursements) to facilitate participation.
  • Renames the Medical Care Advisory Committee the Medicaid Advisory Committee and revises its duties to explicitly include advising on recipients’ ability to access Medicaid services.
  • Committee membership and operation changes:
    • Adds certain voting members and requires at least 25% of Committee members to concurrently serve on the BAC (ensuring beneficiary representation).
    • Prohibits consecutive terms for BAC and Committee members.
    • Increases Committee meeting frequency from once per year to quarterly; the BAC must meet at least quarterly, immediately preceding the Committee’s quarterly meeting.
  • Appointments and administration:
    • The Director of DHHS appoints members to staggered 2‑year terms.
    • The Director administers the new provisions consistent with existing Medicaid law.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Medicaid beneficiaries (increased voice in policy), and individuals who support beneficiaries.
  • State agencies: DHHS and the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (new administrative duties for appointments, meetings, reimbursements).
  • State budget: The bill contains an appropriation included in the Executive Budget to cover implementation costs; fiscal notes indicate no effect on local government.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025. Passed both houses; enrolled June 2, 2025. Approved by the Governor June 5, 2025. Filed as Chapter 333 (2025).
  • Implementation: Appointments, meetings, reimbursements, and other administrative steps will be taken by the Director of DHHS as required by the statute; initial member terms are to be staggered so roughly half expire July 1 each year.

Potential impacts

  • Policy: Strengthens beneficiary engagement in Medicaid policymaking and centers access and equity issues in advisory deliberations.
  • Administrative/fiscal: Modest state costs for staffing, per diems, travel, and beneficiary participation supports (covered by appropriation in the Executive Budget).

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

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