KANSAS UPDATES

Budget Allotments Announced for Kansas Nursing Facilities
On Monday evening, Governor Kelly announced new state budget cuts (also known as allotments) in order to combat spending issues in the new state fiscal year starting July 1, 2020.  As predicted, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted state revenues and cuts are needed to balance the budget passed by state legislators in March.  The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services has been tasked with eliminating more than $16 million from their FY 2021 budget.  They will largely accomplish this by eliminating all budget enhancements given by the legislature in March. 

What does this mean for nursing homes?  On July 1st nursing homes will not receive their anticipated 1% Medicaid rate increase passed by the legislature in March.  Instead, each home’s current rate will be held steady through the next fiscal year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021).  The $20 per resident/per day Medicaid rate increase being proposed through the CARES Act emergency fund is still moving forward.

For more information read the Governor’s Press Release and allotment details

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Facemask Mandate in Public Starting July 3rdUnder the order, most Kansans must wear masks in stores and shops, restaurants, and in any situation in which social distancing of 6 feet cannot be maintained, including outside. The EO will be released on Thursday, and will provide specific guidance regarding under what circumstances masks must be worn.

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Nicole Schings is the Director of Member Services and Business Development. She oversees the Partnership/Sponsorship program, recruitment and retention of the association’s provider and associate members as well as coordinating all aspects of online education. Nicole graduated from Washburn University and is a Platinum Geocacher. Her favorite thing about working at the association is to bring new partners in to help us better serve members. Along with her geocaching hobby, Nicole enjoys spending time with her dog, Blu. Her favorite part of working at LeadingAge Kansas is that the people are cool and she enjoys getting to know the members and helping them solve problems. You can reach Nicole directly at 785.670.8048.