Old issues return to new legislative session

The 2024 Kansas legislative session convened Jan. 8 in Topeka, and some familiar issues are back.

Gov. Laura Kelly is making a big push to expand Medicaid in Kansas. Her new proposal, dubbed the Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act, would finance the stateís share of the expansion cost through drug rebates, a hospital fee and additional federal funding. It also includes a work requirement for Medicaid enrollees. MSSC and the Kansas Medical Society support Medicaid expansion, but GOP House and Senate leaders oppose it.

Kelly also supports medical marijuana, as do many lawmakers. KMS and MSSC oppose it, because marijuana is not an FDA-approved drug and is not administered with the evidence-based protocols used for prescription medicines.

Scope-of-practice legislation is also back. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are seeking to practice independently without physician oversight. Naturopaths also want to prescribe and practice medicine. MSSC and KMS oppose these measures.

The Kansas Hospital Association is leading an effort, supported by KMS, to reduce the burden of prior authorization. KMS also is advocating for another increase in Medicaid reimbursement amounts. KMS was able to secure a 3% increase in rates through the legislative process in 2023, but the Medicaid fee schedule remains woefully inadequate. ìItís a top priority for us,î KMS Executive Director Rachelle Colombo said.

One new issue this year is a measure allowing EMS personnel to distribute over-the-counter Narcan as a preventative measure.

Kevin Hoppock, MD, leads the MSSCís Legislative Committee, which meets every other Friday at 7 a.m. via Zoom during the first two months of the session. If you would like to participate, contact MSSC. To look up bills, follow hearings and listen to live proceedings, visit http://kslegislature.org/li/