Expanding medical assistance eligibility and enacting the cutting healthcare costs for all Kansans act.
Impact
The passage of SB 355 is projected to affect various Kansas state laws related to healthcare access and funding. The bill outlines the creation of a healthcare access improvement fund, which will be financed through assessments on hospital providers. It includes provisions for a surcharge to support Medicaid expansion and ensures that funds are utilized to improve healthcare delivery without straining the state’s general fund. The bill also establishes a rural health advisory committee to address specific healthcare challenges faced by rural communities, aiming to foster cooperation between health providers and local communities.
Summary
Senate Bill 355, known as the 'Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act,' aims to expand medical assistance eligibility for adults under 65 who meet specific income criteria, specifically those earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level. This bill is designed to enhance access to healthcare for low-income individuals and families while aligning Kansas' medical assistance program with federal guidelines. It sets a target implementation date of January 1, 2025, contingent on federal approval of necessary amendments to the state's medical assistance program.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB 355 includes concerns regarding the fiscal implications of Medicaid expansion and the sustainability of funding sources. Critics argue that expanding Medicaid could lead to increased state expenses without assured long-term federal funding. Proponents, however, contend that the expansion could ultimately save the state money by reducing the uninsured population and improving health outcomes through preventive care. Specific provisions that necessitate federal approval, such as the proposed premium assistance program for low-income individuals, also introduce uncertainty into the implementation of the act.
Requiring legislative approval prior to any state agency seeking or implementing a public assistance program waiver or other authorization from the federal government that expands eligibility for any public assistance program or increases cost to the state or making certain changes in services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Enacting the Kansas medical cannabis act to authorize the cultivation, processing, distribution, sale and use of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products.
House Substitute for SB 287 by Committee on Health and Human Services - Prohibiting a healthcare provider from administering medication, diagnostic tests or conducting ongoing behavioral health treatments to a minor in a school facility without parental consent, enacting the no patient left alone act to require medical care facilities to allow in-person visitation in certain circumstances, expanding licensure of rural emergency hospitals that meet criteria between January 2015 and December 2020 and authorizing emergency medical responders to distribute non prescription over-the-counter medications.
Requiring job search instead of a 20-hour work week for child care subsidy eligibility, allowing food assistance funds for advertising food assistance programs and modifying penalties for non-cooperation for all assistance programs.
Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.
Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance exchanges.
Creates the Rhode Island Individual Market Affordability Act of 2024 to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for low- and moderate-income consumers enrolled in the health insurance exchanges.