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.
