The Medicaid eligibility system breakdown and Medicaid rate reductions were the primary focus during a Wednesday meeting with Kansas Budget Director Shawn Sullivan, the Governor’s Policy Director Brandon Smith, Debra Zehr and Cindy Luxem of KHCA. Meeting highlights:
- Various general scenarios for how, when and if the Medicaid rate reductions will be restored. There were no firm commitments made on rate restoration. Zehr noted that the full 4.47% Medicaid rates for nursing homes should be restored, beginning immediately with the 0.47% disparate amount cut from other provider types.
- There was a suggestion by some that the rate cut burden could be shifted from some providers to others by redefining the criteria for the two tax tiers of the provider assessment. (Side note: This would require a legislative act. The LeadingAge Kansas Board has historically been opposed to a change in the tax level criteria.)
- The nursing home advanced payment system appears to be working, and the backlog is beginning to clear, but it remains to be seen if the backlog will be entirely cleared by the end of September, as promised by KDHE.
The associations requested:
- That providers be notified of applicants’ final determination (eligible/not eligible.)
- Provider payment for entirety of bills for residents who die while eligibility is in flux due to internal agency/clearinghouse errors/delays.
- Routine meetings and written updates from the state about activities and progress toward addressing the backlog.
LeadingAge Kansas remains on the job of advocating on behalf of our members and the people they serve and employ. We always look forward to receiving input from YOU!
