Proposed federal changes could cut child care costs for low-income Nebraska families

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A new federal push could make child care more accessible for Nebraska families.  

“We all know that families are struggling to find providers; there’s just not enough child care around,” said Michael Medwick with First Five Nebraska, which advocates for early childhood care.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seeks to lower costs for parents who get assistance through its Child Care and Development Fund. 

The changes under consideration would cap child care co-payments for families at 7% of their income. 

States would also be allowed to waive co-payments entirely for families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. 

“That also applies to families who are seeking care for children with disabilities,” Medwick said. “In those cases … the proposed changes recommend that those co-pays fees be waived for those families.” 

The changes would also benefit Nebraska providers who participate in the child care subsidy program. 

“The proposed changes would make the reimbursements available to providers when they begin serving children instead of waiting after the services have been delivered,” Medwick said.  

The federal government is taking public comment on the proposed changes. Anyone looking to submit a comment has until the end of Monday.