LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers have killed a bill that would have charged a copay to prison and jail inmates for health care services.
The unanimous vote will hold the measure until April 20th, which all but guarantees it won’t be revisited this session.
The idea was to allow copayments of up to $10 for every self-initiated, non-emergency visit to a health care provider. Exceptions would have included treatment for mental health, preexisting conditions, chronic illness and medical emergencies.
It was proposed by Sen. Tyson Larson of O’Neill, who says it arose from sheriffs complaining about prisoners taking advantage of services offered while behind bars.
Opponents note that the Department of Correctional Services has said it would not enact the policy if it passed and worry that the copay would discourage inmates from seeking medical help.
