Today, Voices for Children testified in strong support for LB 220, a bill that would reinstate 12-month continuous eligibility for Medicaid for low-income children. Here’s what we said to the committee: Voices for Children in Nebraska would like to express our support for LB 220 and thank Senator Avery…...
LB 556 – Improving behavioral health screenings and access for kids
In the words of our Executive Director’s son: “Physical health is important, but if you aren’t mentally ok then the physical stuff doesn’t matter so your behavioral health is what’s really important.” There’s no question that many of Nebraska’s children and youth face behavioral health issues. However, putting an exact number…...
LB220: Continuous Eligibility for Children’s Health Insurance Program
Health care access for children plays a critical role in healthy development. Children need continuous health care coverage to ensure they receive timely access to immunizations, developmental screenings, and preventative services. In 2002, children enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) were considered continually eligible for 6 months, which decreased the likelihood that…...
Our prosperous future requires an investment in kids
Today, Voices for Children in Nebraska’s Executive Director, Carolyn Rooker, issued the following statement in response to Governor Heineman’s State of the State Address: This legislative session, lawmakers must be future-thinking in their budget decisions – both on the revenue and spending side – and prioritize services that will put…...
Explaining the Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act was created to support families by making health insurance more affordable and accessible. Nebraska currently has a historic opportunity under the Affordable Care Act to improve our health care system for working families. As the Legislative Session nears, it’s important to know what it is we’re…...
The Budget Impact of the Affordable Care Act
There are many changes to come in health care in the next year and one topic pressing to Nebraskans is the Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act. On Tuesday, the Health and Human Services and Appropriations Committees of the state legislature considered the costs and benefits of a potential…...
Cutting Our Future: The Medically Handicapped Children’s Program
The Medically Handicapped Children’s Program (MHCP) is a program that provides specialized medical services for families with children with disabilities or ongoing health care needs. These services can include case management, specialty medical team evaluations, access to specialty physicians, and payment of treatment services. Buried among the budget modifications in the recent…...
Cutting Our Future: Medicaid Provider Rates
Medicaid is an important lifeline for kids whose families would otherwise be unable to afford health insurance. Having health insurance, especially when kids are young, is a critical component of ensuring healthy development. In 2010, 69% of all Medicaid participants in Nebraska were kids. But having health insurance alone isn’t…...
Following up on Children’s Behavioral Health (LB 603)
On October 30, 2012, The Children’s Behavioral Health Committee discussed the progress in the implementation of LB603. LB603’s intention is to address the lack of support for families with children dealing with a behavioral health crisis. Support systems have been created, however barriers and gaps continue to exist within the…...
