(May 1, 2026) – This week, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment provided an update on the Sept. 30 end of Medicaid coverage for lawfully present immigrants, including refugees, asylees and work visa immigrants, as part of HR 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In Kansas, nearly 13,000 immigrants are enrolled in Medicaid and nearly 70 percent (about 9,000) are children. KDHE estimates that about 3,300 immigrants will lose coverage as of Sept. 30. Given the small proportion of people affected, KDHE is developing targeted messaging to prevent panic and confusion. KDHE will provide talking points in the near future.
KDHE also reported receiving a communication from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last week, which required Kansas to revalidate all Medicaid providers, including those who had recently revalidated. KDHE must submit a plan to CMS shortly detailing how it will meet this new requirement within the next 12 months. The agency recognizes the burden this will place on providers and shares the frustration this extra work will cause for everyone involved with Medicaid. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided.
We will share additional details as they become available. Please do not hesitate to contact KHA if you have questions.
--Audrey Dunkel