LINCOLN — State lawmakers gave first-round approval last Thursday to a measure that would establish “medical respite facilities” for homeless adults in Omaha and Lincoln.

State Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston, who introduced the bill, said hospitals could save thousands of dollars in unpaid health care if short-term medical issues are dealt with at a respite facility instead of a fully equipped hospital.

Riepe, a former hospital administrator, said that, on average, homeless adults have longer and more frequent hospital stays. He gave the example of someone needing insulin shots and said a respite facility would be more appropriate for such care.

“These individuals need a place to recover,” the senator said.

He estimated that a respite center could provide care for about $200 a day compared to the $2,000-a-day cost of a hospital stay.

Under Legislative Bill 905, the state would apply for a Medicaid waiver with the federal government, which, if approved, would cover 90% of the cost.

Riepe said a foundation operated by the Nebraska Hospital Association would pay the state’s matching amount. At least 11 other states operate respite care centers for the homeless under a federal waiver program, he said.

The Siena Francis House, Omaha’s main homeless shelter, supported the bill and, according to Riepe, is interested in developing a respite center with 25 beds.

Lincoln Sen. Anna Wishart, who made LB 905 her personal priority bill, said it was important to provide needed medical care for the “unsheltered.”

She added that in Lincoln, the City Mission or CenterPoint might develop respite centers.

The bill advanced from first-round debate on a 38-0 vote after a brief floor debate last Thursday.

This story was originally published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. It is part of the national nonprofit States Newsroom. Find more at nebraskaexaminer.com.