Kansas bill would require legislative approval for Medicaid coverage expansions, drawing split testimony

House Bill 2,240 would prohibit Kansas state agencies from seeking or implementing a Medicaid state plan amendment, demonstration or waiver that expands coverage to additional classes of individuals or increases costs to the state unless the Legislature expressly consents, witnesses told the Committee on Government Efficiency.

Testimony described an amendment that would allow the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) to approve requests when the Legislature is not in session or to designate a standing or special committee to review an agency’s request and make recommendations to the LCC. Proponents and opponents took sharply different views in committee testimony about the bill’s likely effects on accountability, program costs, stakeholder engagement and the state’s ability to meet time-sensitive federal requirements.

Proponents, including Brian Sigma (identified in testimony as a visiting fellow at Opportunity Solutions Project), argued the measure would restore legislative oversight and accountability for major changes to Kansas’ Medicaid program.…