Legislative Update | Week of March 16–20
While the budget conference committee met briefly last Wednesday, March 11, to review the 36 pages of budget items, they have not yet reconvened to begin negotiations. Based on initial conversations, we anticipate conference committee activity to begin Monday, March 23, with a goal of finalizing and passing the budget before first adjournment on March 27.
Once negotiations begin, the House is expected to issue the first round of offers. Below is a summary of key budget items impacting aging services providers and the current positions of the House and Senate. As a reminder, once either chamber concedes to the other’s position, or both agree to a modified compromise, the item is considered resolved and included in the final budget package.
Budget Items of Interest
HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver Slots (FY26)
- House: Adds $12.5M ($5M SGF) to support current waiver demand
- Senate: No funding added
HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver Slots (FY27)
- House: Adds $25M ($10M SGF)
- Senate: Adds $49M ($19M SGF)
Involuntary Discharge Reporting (State-Licensed Only ACHs)
- House: Maintains current FY25–FY26 language
- Senate: Updates reporting requirements
Medicaid Capacity Payment (Nursing Facilities)
- House: $37.8M ($14.6M SGF) for $10/resident/day
- Senate: $75.5M ($29.3M SGF) for $20/resident/day
Nutrition Services (Meals on Wheels)
- House: Adds $3M SGF to reduce waitlists
- Senate: Adds distribution formula requirements, minimum $6.8M direct to providers, and reporting requirements
PD/FE Reimbursement Rates
- House: $8.1M ($3.2M SGF) with moderate rate increases across services
- Senate: $13.3M ($5.3M SGF) with higher PD increases, adjusted FE structure
HCBS Waiver Rate Increases
- House: $41.3M ($16.1M SGF) for a 3% increase across all waivers
- Senate: $69.6M ($26.7M SGF) for a 10% increase for I/DD waiver only
Keep in mind: differing House and Senate positions are just the starting point. Conference committees frequently adopt modified positions that fall somewhere in between or adjust policy language. Final outcomes will depend on negotiated agreements between both chambers.
Advocacy Alert Coming This Week
Watch for an Action Alert coming on Friday asking you to contact your legislators in support of continued, and not reduced, investment in aging services.
This outreach will not be a templated message. Instead, we are asking providers to personalize their communication to ensure legislators understand the real, local impact of these funding decisions. We will provide talking points to support your message.
Policy Updates
SB 334 – Nurse Faculty Educational Requirements
This bill is on the House Floor this week. If passed without amendments, it will go directly to the Governor for signature. If amended, it will return to the Senate for concurrence. If the Senate does not concur, the bill may move to a conference committee.
HB 2520 – Home Plus Capacity Increase (to 16 Residents)
This bill is on the Senate Floor this week. Similar to SB 334, if passed without amendments, it will go to the Governor. If amended and not concurred upon by the House, it may be included in a conference committee package.
Note: Conference committees may bundle multiple bills into one package, which then receives an up-or-down vote in both chambers without further amendments.
Find more details on all bills we’ve been tracking with our KanFocus Bill Tracker.
