LB 603, a bill aimed at solving some of the significant problems in Nebraska’s behavioral and children’s health services. Right now, desperate parents are forced to make a horrible choice: Keep their children or give up custody to the state so they can receive the health care and treatment they need. LB 603 will increase access and availability of health care services that are not dependent on a parent losing custody of their child. The bill also increases income eligibility for SCHIP health coverage, making it easier for parents struggling to make ends meet to get their children the coverage they deserve.

Senator Nordquist's 2009 priority bill, LB 601, was amended into the final version of LB 603. By seeking federal matching dollars for some of our behavioral health services, Nebraskan can improve our quality of care while saving the state millions of dollars each year. All together, LB 603 is an excellent package to address some serious problems in the way our state treats struggling parents with children in need of behavioral health treatment.