As introduced: LB 518 would repeal LB 599 (2012), which expanded coverage for certain benefits under the medical assistance program to previously ineligible persons, including persons unlawfully present in the United States. Introducing Senator(s): Janssen Committee: Health and Human Services...
The sequester’s impact in Nebraska, Part 4: Public Health
This is the fourth post in the federal sequester’s impact on Nebraska’s kids. See the first three posts here: Sequester Overview, Head Start, and Education. In addition to cuts to children’s education, sequestration will impact Nebraska’s children in many other ways, one of which is public health. The White House estimates Nebraska…...
“More Kids in Health Coverage Sounds Nice, May Be Too Taxing”
Today’s title comes courtesy of a 1997 Omaha World-Herald Editorial, when Nebraska was considering expanding Medicaid program through what’s known as CHIP, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, to cover more low-income children. The federal government had recently passed legislation to give states the option of covering more kids through…...
Healthy babies are still worth the investment! – Oppose LB 518
Voices for Children is in opposition to LB 518 which would repeal a bill enacted last year to restore prenatal care for all low-income Nebraska babies. Research continues to support the fact that prenatal care is both essential to healthy birth outcomes and cost-effective when compared to the cost of…...
A win-win for health – Tobacco Tax increase raises revenue and reduces smoking
March 13, 2013 To: Chairman Hadley and members of the Revenue Committee From: Courtnay VanDeVelde, Policy Associate Re: Support for LB 439 – Change cigarette and tobacco tax provisions. In the last few years, states have taken steps to reduce the population of tobacco users by increasing the excise taxes…...
Another opportunity on school-based health centers
Last year, we at Voices for Children watched with disapointment as Governor Heineman vetoed a bill to provide grants to help with the start-up costs of new school-based health centers. The bill failed to garner enough votes to have the veto overidden. Today, LB 275 will receive a hearing before the Education…...
Improving health care access kids with autism – Support LB 505
Before I moved to Omaha, I worked at an Autism Therapy Center as an ABA (applied behavioral analysis) therapist in Minnesota. My main duties while there focused on providing one-on-one direct care for children on the autism spectrum. The families paid for the treatments through insurance payments, so I…...
