Committee adopts conference positions on KDHE additions; approves Medicaid outpatient rate boost and Gainwell contract funding

The Senate Ways and Means Committee reviewed House adjustments to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) budget and took several actions affecting provider rates, hospital funding and Medicaid administration contracts.

Megan Leopold of Legislative Research summarized the House—s changes, which the committee then considered. The House additions reviewed included a $10,000,000 appropriation to adult inpatient behavioral health services to be distributed among hospitals based on adult behavioral bed capacity, a $10,000,000 addition (including $4,000,000 SGF) to increase Medicaid dental rates, pediatric Medicaid rate increases and a targeted dental code increase to reimburse sedation dentistry performed in operating rooms.

Why it matters: The actions affect hospital and dental provider reimbursements, Medicaid administration, and small targeted public-health programs. Committee votes included a Senate motion to add Medicaid outpatient rate funding and a separate motion to fund the state—s Medicaid management contractor, Gainwell Technologies, to cover increased contract costs.

Key House adjustments noted by staff

- Restored $9,000,000 reappropriation lapse for FMAP savings used in HCBS improvement projects…