Community Benefit Report Showcases Essentia Health’s Commitment to Underserved Communities
As a national leader in rural health care, Essentia Health takes pride in advancing the well-being and vitality of the communities we serve.
HHS Invites Public Input on Medicaid Waiver to Improve Access for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public comment on an amendment to the state’s Medicaid Traditional Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities (IID/DD) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver dated April 1, 2025. Comments will be accepted from Aug. 29 through Sept. 28.
HHS Seeks Public Feedback on Medicaid Waiver Amendment to Support In-Home Services for North Dakotans with Physical Disabilities
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public comment on an amendment to the state’s Medicaid 1915(c) waiver for in-home and community-based services. The waiver pays for services that help older adults and adults with physical disabilities who qualify for skilled nursing care to live in their own homes and communities. Comments will be accepted through Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. CT.
DHHS Clarifies Medicaid Rate Adjustments Amid Provider Misinformation
Today, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) CEO Steve Corsi, Medicaid and Long-Term Care Division Director Drew Gonshorowski, and Karoly Mirnics, dean and director of the Munroe-Meyer Institute provided information about the approaching adjustment to Medicaid payment rates for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to Nebraska families. Rate adjustments will go into effect Aug. 1.
Iowa Hospital Association Releases Statement on U.S. Senate Vote Advancing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
We are deeply concerned about the U.S. Senate’s vote to advance the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), and the effect the steep Medicaid cuts will have on Iowa's hospitals and the patients they serve. Rural hospitals already operate on thin margins, and these Medicaid cuts will exacerbate their already strained financial situations. Cuts of this magnitude will force hospitals to make tough decisions about reducing services or closing altogether.
127,000 Nebraskans at Risk of Losing Coverage Under Suggested Senate Amendment
The Nebraska Hospital Association strongly condemns a proposed amendment by Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) to the Senate budget reconciliation package, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
HHS Requests Public Input on Five-Year Renewal of North Dakota’s Medicaid 1915(i) State Plan Amendment
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public comment on a five-year renewal to the state’s Medicaid 1915(i) State Plan Amendment.
New Enhancements Now Accessible on the iServe Nebraska Platform
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) launched two new features on the iServe Nebraska Portal to improve accessibility for Medicaid renewals and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver applications.
Nebraska DHHS Implements Enhancements to EVV System
On February 19, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) implemented changes to the federally required Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) System for Nebraska Medicaid Personal Assistance Services (PAS) and Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) providers.
DHHS Releases ABA Medicaid Service Definitions
On January 31, The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) issued the final versions of the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Medicaid Service Definitions (MSDs). These service definitions are effective February 7, 2025.
Medicaid Payment Increases Allow Hospitals to Re-Evaluate Capital Projects and Leverage Capital Markets
With the uncertainty of the pandemic behind us, many hospitals have shifted focus to capital projects postponed during the past few years. This, combined with the recent increase in Medicaid payments, has caused many hospitals to re-evaluate projects and consider how to best leverage the capital markets given their financial resources.
HHS Seeks Public Input on ND Medicaid Quality Strategy
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking public comment from members, providers, tribal partners, stakeholders and other interested individuals on a draft of the 2025-2027 North Dakota Medicaid Quality Strategy.
Iowa HHS Announces Intent to Award Medicaid Contract
On September 3, 2024, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the intent to award a Managed Care Organization (MCO) contract to Iowa Total Care. The new Iowa Medicaid contract period begins July 1, 2025, with no change in operations.
Sanford Health Plan Introduces New Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan for Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries
Sanford Health Plan is expanding its Medicare portfolio with a new Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) for people dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
ND Completes 13-Month Medicaid Renewal Initiative, 6 In 10 North Dakotans Retained Coverage
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), along with its human service zone partners, has completed the 13-month federal initiative to determine eligibility for North Dakota Medicaid members whose coverage was temporarily extended due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Nebraska Medicaid To Travel Statewide For Fall Listening Tour
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) will host the next Medicaid listening tour throughout October and November 2023 in communities around the state.
Health and Human Services seeks comments on renewal of the Medicaid autism spectrum disorder waiver
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, providers and other interested stakeholders are invited to provide public comments on the proposed renewal of the Medicaid autism spectrum disorder waiver.
Health And Human Services Seeks Comments On Amendment To Medicaid Waiver For Medically Fragile Children
North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Medical Services Division is seeking public comment on an amendment of its Medicaid 1915(c) waiver for medically fragile children.
Dr. Dave Kapaska To Receive National American Heart Association Award
We are so pleased to announce that Dr. Dave Kapaska has been recognized by the American Heart Association for his efforts helping to expand Medicaid in South Dakota
Nebraska Medicaid To Resume Regular Reviews Of Medicaid Eligibility
Following the recent passage of federal legislation, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is preparing to resume regular reviews of Medicaid eligibility. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicaid members have kept Medicaid coverage even if no longer eligible.