Bill would withhold Medicaid payments from providers over exemption discrimination

A health care provider must not fire, threaten, or otherwise discriminate against a worker, student, or trainee because they have a valid medical or religious vaccine exemption. The rule covers health care providers and their employees, students, and trainees. It applies to treatment in the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because a person has a valid medical or religious vaccine exemption. If the Department of Health and Human Services finds a violation, it must withhold Medicaid payments and suspend or end the provider's participation in the state Medicaid program. The act would take effect January 1, 2027.