LINCOLN, Neb. — Emotions and frustrations ran high as dozens of parents pleaded with lawmakers to save their disabled children's health care.

"This is literally life or death," said Melanie Kirk. Her 13-year-old son, Logan, has a rare lung disorder that affected his brain. Kirk told lawmakers on the Legislature's Health and Human Services committee Friday a recent change by the state will strip her son of the Medicaid assistance he needs.

DHHS placed a six-month moratorium on implementing the new criteria. The federal government granted the state a delay because staff members were too busy dealing with historic spring floods. During that time, DHHS hired an outside firm to look at the new policy and overall services available. However, during the hearing, DHHS officials said the results of the study and recommendations will not be completed for another few weeks.