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LB 146

State intent regarding appropriations for dental services under the Medical Assistance Act

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Teresa Ibach and 1 co-sponsor

LB 146 states Nebraska will appropriate funds to boost Medicaid dental reimbursements by 12.5% for FY 2025-26, with an emergency clause making the increase effective immediately.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LB 146

Summary: Legislative Bill 146 (LB 146) — State Intent Regarding Appropriations for Dental Services Under the Medical Assistance Act

Overview

LB 146 is a Nebraska bill introduced in the 109th Legislature, First Session (2025). It seeks to state the Legislature’s intent to appropriate funds to increase Medicaid dental reimbursements and declares an emergency to hasten implementation. The bill was introduced on January 13, 2025, referred to the Appropriations Committee, with a hearing scheduled for March 11, 2025. The primary sponsor is Senator Teresa Ibach; Senator Raybould is listed as a cosponsor.

Purpose and Intent

  • The core objective is to increase reimbursement rates for dental services provided under the Medical Assistance Act (Nebraska’s Medicaid program) by 12.5% (twelve and one-half percent) for fiscal year 2025-26.
  • The bill is framed as an appropriation measure that states the intent to fund this rate increase.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: It is the intent of the Legislature to appropriate funds to raise Medicaid dental reimbursement rates by 12.5% for FY 2025-26.
  • Section 2: Emergency clause; the act takes effect immediately upon passage and approval according to law.

Fiscal Impact

  • The bill does not specify a dollar amount; it authorizes an appropriation to fund a 12.5% increase in Medicaid dental reimbursements for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
  • Implementing a rate increase would likely affect state expenditures and could interact with federal Medicaid matching, given that Medicaid payments typically involve federal funds matched to state dollars. The precise fiscal impact (total cost, funding sources, and budgetary effects) would be determined during the appropriations process.

Affected Parties and Institutions

  • Medicaid dental providers (dentists, clinics, and other dental service providers receiving Medicaid reimbursements).
  • Medicaid beneficiaries who receive dental services under the Medical Assistance Act.
  • The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (or the state agency administering the Medicaid program) responsible for Medicaid reimbursements.
  • State budget processes and lawmakers determining final funding levels.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025
  • Referred to: Appropriations Committee (January 15, 2025)
  • Cosponsors: Senator Teresa Ibach (primary) and Senator Raybould (cosponsor; name added January 16, 2025)
  • Hearing: Notice issued February 5, 2025; Hearing scheduled for March 11, 2025
  • Status: Notice of hearing indicates ongoing consideration; emergency clause included to take effect immediately upon enactment

Sponsors

  • Primary: Senator Teresa Ibach
  • Cosponsor: Senator Raybould
  • Committee: Appropriations
  • Chair for hearing: Senator Robert Clements

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-page briefing with a quick impact assessment for stakeholders (providers, beneficiaries, and DHHS) or compare LB 146 to prior Medicaid dental reimbursement actions in Nebraska.

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

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