HB 106/SB 119 – PED/Inmate Health Care Reimbursement

Primary House Sponsors: Rep. Craig Horn (R-Union)Rep. Jean Farmer-Butterfield (D-Wilson), Rep. Marvin Lucas (D-Cumberland), Rep. Rena Turner (R-Iredell)

Primary Senate Sponsors: Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson), Sen. Norm Sanderson (R-Craven)Sen. Valerie Foushee (D-Orange)

Bill Summary

This bill would improve inmate health care reimbursement and internal processes, as recommended by the Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Committee.

The bill would direct the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to reimburse providers and facilities providing approved medical services to inmates 70% of the provider’s current charge or 100% of Medicaid rates for services. (Currently law allows for two times Medicaid rates)

The bill states that if DPS determines that access to care must be ensured that they can use either 70% of the provider’s current charge or 200% of Medicaid.

The bill also requires DPS to develop an electronic supply inventory management system that includes the following:

  • Arrival and departure of medicines
  • Dates of transition
  • Employees in possession of the medication
  • Asses the need for adjust supplies biannually

The bill directs DPS to to report quarterly to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Public Safety about the reimbursement rate for contracted providers. High volume providers will be audited.

The bill also direct DPS and DHHS to work together to ensure that social workers qualify and receive federal funding for Medicaid eligible activities for inmates.

Bill Movement

This bill was filed on February 19, 2019.

This bill was referred to the following committees:

  • Health
    • Passed – March 26, 2019.
  • Judiciary
    • Committee Subsitute passed on April 26, 2019.
  • Rules
    • This committee referral was stricken on April 26, 2019.
  • This bill was re-referred to the Appropriations, Justice and Public Safety Committee
    • This committee referral was withdrawn on May 2, 2019.
  • Rules
    • This bill was removed from the calendar on May 3, 2019.
    • A proposed Committe substitute passsed on May 6, 2019.
  • House floor
    • This bill passed in the House on May 6, 2019.

Senate

This bill was referred to the following committees:

  • Health – heard for discussion only on June 26, 2019.
    • passed June 27, 2019.
  • Judiciary – Referral stricken on June 26, 2019.
  • Rules – passed June 28, 2019.