Kansas Advocacy Updates: January 21, 2026

Legislative Session Is Off to A Great Start 

We’re already in the thick of it with a fast-paced legislative session. Weekly legislative blasts will come out on Mondays each week beginning next week. We’re still here to field your questions outside of the legislative session. Email Kylee and Rachel, and we’ll be sure to get you the answers you need. 

KDADS Accepting Comments on Proposed Amendments to Medicaid Waivers 

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is accepting public comment from January 15, 2026 through February 14, 2026 on proposed amendments to the following Kansas Medicaid 1915(c) waivers (posted on the KDADS website here): 

• Brain Injury (BI)
• Physical Disability (PD)
• Frail Elderly (FE)
• Technology Assisted (TA)

Effective May 1, 2026

The proposed amendments cover the following: 

1. Waiver Administration 
   • The State has separated the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and the Assessing Entity into two separate contracts. ADRC and options counseling functions will be administered by Liberty and assessment functions will be administered by Maximus. (BI, PD, FE) 
   • Clarified the independent assessing entity’s role and updated waiver language. (TA) 
   • The State is no longer contracting with local non-State entities. (BI, PD, FE) 
2. Reserve Capacity 
   • The State has adjusted the reserve capacity for two purposes and added a third purpose: (BI) 
     • Reduced Temporary Institutional Stay 
     • Increased Institutional Transitions 
     • Added DCF Custody (new) 
   • The State has added reserve capacity for three purposes: (FE) 
     • Temporary Institutional Stay 
     • HCBS Institutional Transitions 
     • PACE
3. Selection of Entrants to the Waiver
   • Implementation and management of a waitlist. (FE)
     • Personal Care Services (PCS)
       • Updated PCS checklist. (TA)
       • Removed virtual delivery of PCS. (TA)
       • Updated provider qualifications for Agency-Directed Personal Care Services. (PD, FE)
     • Other Updates
       • Updated legally responsible individuals language. (TA)
       • Updated unduplicated count. (FE, TA)
       • Cleaned up service plan development language. (TA)
     • Rates
       • The State has increased rates approved by the Legislature. (BI, TA)

Comments may be submitted using the online comment form on the webpage, or by email or standard mail: 

Email: kdads.hcbs-ks@ks.gov 

Mail: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Attn: HCBS Programs 503 S. Kansas Avenue Topeka, KS 66603