(Mar. 6, 2024) – Today, the House Appropriations Committee, chaired by Representative Troy Waymaster (R-Russell), received an update on the Fetal-Maternal Monitoring Program and remote ultrasound access to care. The committee heard from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services about the Community Support Waiver from Michele Heydon, commissioner for Long-Term Services and Support.

The committee also heard from Christine Osterlund, Kansas Medicaid director and deputy secretary. Osterlund gave an overview of the public health emergency unwinding, highlighting the overview and timelines and stating renewal volumes fluctuated. The first four months were the highest volumes of the 12-month unwinding period. Osterlund said as of Jan. 31, 499,096 individuals were sent a renewal notice, 250,701 individuals were approved and 58,402 individuals were discontinued. Twenty-four thousand two hundred twenty-five individuals in the reinstatement window did not submit a review timely but have 90 days to submit a review and have eligibility backdated. Osterlund shared metrics on calls received. She indicated they anticipate that approximately 110,000 individuals may likely lose coverage, but suggested that later in March, they may have more firm estimates. The agency shared there have been process improvements including:

• Ex Parte improvements increase the number of reviews through automation
• Usage of automated outreach via text and calls rather than mail
• Use of portal by members
• HCBS training of renewal process for providers
• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services granted the Kansas Department of Health and Environment approval to implement several E-14 waivers, allowing more assistance to members with unwinding

The committee meets tomorrow to continue work on the bills before them.