Kansas

Status of reform effort: On May 18, 2008, Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed legislation to implement 9 of the 21 health care reform recommendations put forth by the Kansas Health Policy Authority.

On July 1, 2005, legislation created the Kansas Health Policy Authority (KHPA), a non-partisan group charged with coordinating health and health care in Kansas. During the 2007 legislative session, KHPA convened the Health For All Kansans Steering Committee to provide a structure for negotiating a compromise between the various comprehensive approaches under consideration.

The work of the Steering Committee resulted in legislation, SB 11, which was signed by Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D) in May 2007. This legislation included a short-term initiative to address the uninsured while a more comprehensive approach is developed. The legislation included a premium assistance program for families with incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level (though this provision was never funded and has not yet been implemented) and provided funding to small businesses to encourage them to group together to buy more affordable coverage. It also provided children and parents with a “medical home” where they can receive coordinated and continuous care.

On November 1, 2007, KHPA presented their health reform recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature. On May 18, 2008, Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed House Bill Substitute 81 that implements 9 of the 21 health care recommendations put forth by the Kansas Health Policy Authority. The legislation includes the following components:

• Expands HealthWave (SCHIP) eligibility to 225% FPL in 2009 and 250% FPL in 2010, if funding is available.
• Provides funding to expand Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women. Provides dental coverage and tobacco cessation counseling for pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid.
• Increases funding for clinics that provide care to the low-income population.
• Creates a standardized insurance card for Medicaid beneficiaries.
• Requires employers to establish Section 125 cafeteria plans that permit workers to use pre-tax dollars to pay for health insurance premiums.*

* S.B. 11, 2007 Legislative Session.  For House Bill Substitute text see:  http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2008/11.pdf. For KHPA’s recommendations see: http://www.khpa.ks.gov/default.htm.  H Sub SB 81. Kansas Legislature (Kansas, 2008). For bill text see: http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2008/81.pdf.