Senators outline maternal-health tech pilots, Medicaid coverage gaps, and restorative-schools expansion
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Summary
Multiple sponsors described funding requests for maternal-health monitoring pilots, expanded access to vagus nerve stimulation for Medicaid patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, and a restorative schools pilot to address behavioral issues.
Several senators presented health- and education-focused amendments.
One senator asked the committee to fund maternal-health technology pilots and programs intended to address maternal mortality and morbidity, including remote monitoring apps and remote ultrasound components. The sponsor cited a Florida pilot that monitored pregnant people and reported a 50% drop in morbidity among participants.
Senator Pokarski presented amendment 288 #49 S seeking funding to cover the cost of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for Medicaid patients with drug-resistant epilepsy; she said current Medicaid payment does not cover the device and procedure and that the amendment would increase payment so eligible patients could access the therapy.
Senator Pokarski also presented a restorative-schools pilot program amendment (117 #8 S) for about $1,990,000 to hire specialists, provide stipends and training, and expand restorative behavioral practices statewide beyond an initial eight-school allocation.
Speakers emphasized program effectiveness and access gaps; the transcript does not record final committee action on these requests.