By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Health-related bills continue to move during the fourth week of the 2026 legislative session. Here are some of them:
Medicaid reimbursement for pharmacists – HB 3, sponsored by Rep. Amy Neighbors, R-Edmonton, would expand access to care by requiring Medicaid to pay pharmacists. The bill passed out of the House on Friday, Jan. 30, on a 93-0 vote. Click here to learn more about this bill in the Kentucky Lantern.
Firefighter death benefits – HB 34, sponsored by Rep. Kim Banta, R-Ft. Mitchell, would expand the list of cancers that are recognized as occupational risks for firefighters and, as a result, covered under line-of-duty death benefits. HB 34 cleared the House 92-0 on Tuesday, Jan. 27, and now resides in the Senate.
Fluoride in drinking water – HB 103, sponsored by Rep. Mark Hart, R-Falmouth, would allow officials at local water systems to opt out of adding fluoride to their water supply. The House Local Government Committee voted in favor of the measure on Wednesday, Jan. 28. It now resides in the House. Click here to learn more about this bill in the Kentucky Lantern.
Sexual assault nurse examiners – HB 134, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Raymer, R-Morgantown, aims to expand the availability of sexual assault nurse examiners across Kentucky. It calls for a statewide coordinator to recruit nurses, facilitate training and improve collaboration between hospitals, law enforcement and rape crisis centers. The legislation passed out of the House on Thursday, Jan. 29, on a 95-0 vote. Click here to read more about this bill in the Kentucky Lantern.
Hearing aids – HB 164, sponsored by Rep. Samara Heavrin, R- Leitchfield, would increase the coverage amounts that health insurance plans provide for purchasing hearing aids and related services for minors. The House Banking and Insurance Committee passed the bill on Wednesday, Jan. 28. It is posted in the House Regular Orders of the Day.
Eating disorders – HB 169, sponsored by Rep. Ken Flemming, R-Louisville, calls on health insurance plans that provide behavioral or mental health care coverage to also provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of feeding or eating disorders. The legislation passed the House Banking and Insurance Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and is posted in the House Regular Orders of the Day. Click here to learn more about this bill in the Kentucky Lantern.
Cigar bars – HB 194, sponsored by Rep. Chris Lewis, R-Louisville, would clear the way for cigar bars to operate in local communities as long as they meet certain requirements related to smoke exposure, age limits and revenue thresholds, among others. HB 194 passed out of the House Local Government Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 28. It now resides in the House. Click here to read more about this bill in the Kentucky Lantern.
Accessibility ramps for veterans – HB 214, sponsored by Rep. Bill Wesley, R-Ravenna, would create a program to help veterans with disabilities purchase accessibility ramps for their residences. The bill passed out of the House on Thursday, Jan. 29, on a 95-0 vote and now resides in the Senate.
Dyslexia and dysgraphia – HB 389, also sponsored by Heavrin, calls on the Kentucky Department of Education to annually update its guidance and evidence-based strategies for identifying and supporting students with both dyslexia and dysgraphia. The House passed the bill on Wednesday, Jan. 28, on a 95-0 vote. It now resides in the Senate.
Food is Medicine initiative – Senate Joint Resolution 23, sponsored by Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, declares Kentucky as a “Food is Medicine” state and directs state agencies to advance Food is Medicine initiatives. SJR 23 was adopted by the Senate on Jan. 28 with a committee substitute. It now resides in the House.