2012 legislative session comes to a close

Over the weekend, legislators finally approved a budget and completed the longest ever omnibus session.  Below is a very thorough article provided by Kansas Health Institute's News Service on the results of the session.

Some highlights of the article:

• Waiting lists: $3.6 million in State General Funds (SGF) allotted to help reduce waiting lists.  This will be matched by federal funds, creating a total of $8.2 million for waiting lists.  Only a portion of this money will be directed to persons with developmental disabilities.  Projections estimate approximately 97 persons with DD will be served from the waiting lists.

• KanCare
• Included in the budget bill is a proviso to delay the inclusion of long-term DD services for one year.  The proviso includes language allowing programs to voluntarily participate in pilot programs.
• Legislators did not approve a special oversight committee for KanCare
• Lawmakers did approve funding ($1 million) requested by the Governor to update the Medicaid Management Information System for KanCare.  However they did not approve funding that the Governor sought for a statewide program to inform Medicaid beneficiaries about KanCare.  Nor did they approve funding sought by the Administration to create a new Medicaid Reform health Savings Account for KanCare.

Read More: KHI News Service

May 20, 2012

Gavels drop on 2012 Legislature: 

Longest ever wrap-up session ends after a budget plan is finally approved