Kansas pursues Medicaid expansion, Maine insurance market changes

Jan 10, 2020 - 02:51 PM
Medicaid enrollment

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has reached agreement with Senate Republicans on a bipartisan proposal to expand Medicaid eligibility to low-income uninsured adults by 2021. The proposal would expand eligibility to residents earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, with the federal government financing 90% of the cost for the newly eligible and a “hospital surcharge” to help offset the state’s share of expansion costs. Kansas Hospital Association President and CEO Tom Bell called the proposal “the most significant progress we have seen in the Medicaid expansion debate in Kansas.” In other state news, Maine Gov. Janet Mills this week announced agreement with lawmakers on bipartisan legislation that would merge the state’s small group and individual health insurance markets and extend reinsurance to small businesses in an effort to stabilize the markets and lower premiums.

Related News Articles

Headline
Shutdown continues with no significant progress toward funding deal
The government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate is expected to adjourn Oct. 23 with no plans to vote this weekend. The chamber Oct…
Headline
OIG says MA, Medicaid managed care plans have limited, inaccurate behavioral health provider networks 
A report by the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General found that many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans…
Headline
Government funding bill fails 10th time in Senate as chamber adjourns until next week
The Senate Oct. 16 failed for a 10th time to advance the continuing resolution to extend government funding and end the ongoing shutdown. The chamber adjourned…
Chairperson's File
Chair File: Leadership Dialogue — Legislative Outlook and Health Care Advocacy with AHA Executive Vice President Stacey Hughes
Public
There is a saying that is very timely for our field: A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. As we head into the final months of 2025, hospitals and health…
Headline
Shutdown expected to continue next week as Senate adjourns
The federal government shutdown is expected to continue into next week as the Senate adjourned Oct. 9 after failing to pass spending legislation; senators plan…
Headline
AHA calls for Senate committee to strengthen supply chain for pharmaceuticals, medical devices
The AHA provided a statement of record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging for a hearing Oct. 8 on the pharmaceutical and medical device supply chains.…