On March 21, lawmakers in Nebraska approved a bill that will provide short-term housing and supportive medical services to eligible adults experiencing homelessness. Introduced by Sen. Merv Riepe from Ralston, LB905, the bill requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to seek a Medicaid waiver or state plan amendment from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by Oct. 1, 2025.
The amendment will designate two medical respite facilities for homeless individuals in Nebraska. These facilities will be located in a primary class city and a metropolitan class city, with Lincoln and Omaha being the only cities in these categories in the state. Qualified individuals staying at these facilities will be reimbursed for services provided. Additionally, the bill grants the department the authority to license adult respite care facilities and allocates funding for the program from the Medicaid Managed Care Excess Profit Fund.
This legislation aims to address the immediate needs of homeless adults by providing them with the necessary housing and medical support to improve their overall well-being. By creating designated facilities and securing funding, Nebraska is taking significant steps towards assisting homeless individuals in a compassionate and effective manner. LB905 passed by a vote of 43-0, signaling strong support for the initiative.
