Health department would seek federal approval for traditional healing services

The Department of Health and Human Services would have to apply to federal officials for approval of a Medicaid demonstration waiver covering traditional healing services. The application would concern traditional healing services under Nebraska's medical assistance program and would cover services defined by the department with tribal consultation. If the department had not applied by the deadline, it would have to report the delay, consultation status, and expected application date to the legislative committee. Federal approval would be needed before the demonstration could be implemented. The department would have to submit the application by July 1, 2026, or submit the required delay report by that date.

The department would have to consult tribal nations and urban Indian organizations, create project rules, and evaluate the demonstration if federal officials approved it. The project would serve Medicaid beneficiaries and involve traditional healing providers that meet department criteria approved by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Participation by Medicaid beneficiaries would be voluntary. Traditional healing services could not replace or limit other covered Medicaid services. The project would have to follow federal requirements, remain budget neutral, and protect culturally sensitive information. Implementation would depend on federal waiver approval. Consultation would occur before the waiver application and throughout project implementation and evaluation; the text does not set an end date.