Commission adopts 2026 legislative agenda and asks staff to study Medicare‑rate billing for tax‑funded employee care
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Summary
The board adopted Finney County’s first formal 2026 legislative agenda to guide state and federal advocacy; a commissioner proposed studying whether health care paid for with tax dollars could be billed at Medicare rates (similar to prior inmate care adjustments) and staff agreed to research implications and stakeholders.
County Administrator Derek presented Finney County’s proposed 2026 legislative agenda, developed using the Kansas Association of Counties framework and local review to ensure county‑level priorities on local control, unfunded mandates, taxation, transportation, public safety and public health. Staff recommended adopting the agenda to guide state and federal advocacy.
Commissioner (S2) asked whether an additional item could be added: he proposed studying whether public entities that pay for employees’ health care with tax dollars could have those bills billed at Medicare rates (similar to earlier state action that allowed inmate medical bills to be billed at Medicare rates). He argued such a change could reduce county health care expenditures and potentially lower property tax burdens. Commissioners and staff discussed possible impacts on rural hospitals and the need to consult lobbyists, legal counsel, hospital leadership and stakeholder groups.
Administrator Derek agreed to engage regional and state stakeholders, including the Kansas Association of Counties and legal counsel, and staff recommended adopting the legislative agenda as presented with direction to return with any proposed amendments. The board approved adoption of the 2026 legislative agenda unanimously and directed staff to study the Medicare‑rate billing idea and report back.