Nebraska legislators advance LB 192 to maintain SNAP eligibility and reduce food insecurity

The Nebraska Legislature convened on April 2, 2025, to discuss several significant bills, focusing primarily on amendments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and mental health services under Medicaid.

One of the key discussions centered around Legislative Bill 192, introduced by Senator Quick. This bill aims to maintain Nebraska's current SNAP eligibility level at 165% of the federal poverty line, preventing a reduction that could affect approximately 10,000 residents starting in October. Senator Quick emphasized the importance of this bill in combating food insecurity and stimulating the local economy, noting that SNAP benefits are fully funded by the federal government. The bill received strong support, with no opposition during the committee hearing, and advanced with a unanimous vote.

Another significant topic was Legislative Bill 332, introduced by Senator Hardin, which seeks to expand Medicaid coverage to include psychological services provided by doctoral-level psychology interns. This initiative aims to address the mental health provider shortage, particularly in rural areas, and improve access to mental health care. Senator Hardin highlighted the economic implications of mental health access, stating that early intervention can prevent costly emergency care and improve workforce productivity. The bill also advanced with strong support from the committee.

In addition to these primary discussions, the session included amendments to streamline various health services, including provisions for pharmacists and funeral directors, and the establishment of the Rural Health Opportunity Program (RHOP) to support healthcare education in rural Nebraska.

Overall, the session underscored the Nebraska Legislature's commitment to addressing food security and mental health access, with both bills poised to make a significant impact on the state's residents. The advancement of these bills reflects a proactive approach to enhancing the well-being of Nebraskans and supporting local economies.