Ways and Means trims proposed increases for waivers, approves multiple line‑item deletions

Senate Ways and Means approved a set of reductions to previously proposed increases for several Medicaid waivers and voted on multiple discrete line items including a pair of state water plan deletions and a change to how some STAR bond bond‑related payments are funded.

Senator Owens, chairing from the subcommittee, said the committee initially approached the year expecting cuts of $150–$200 million but had since added roughly $78 million; he proposed trimming some of those increases. Owens moved to reduce the brain injury waiver SGF addition from $6.9 million to $3.0 million, cut the community support waiver to a $3.5 million increase, lower the technology‑assisted waiver increase to $2.5 million, eliminate a $4.0 million CCBHC planning grant allocation, and reduce the Medicaid nursing‑home add‑on from $20 to $15 per day. Owens framed the list as reductions in planned increases that would collectively lower state general fund pressure by about $19.6 million relative to the committee’s prior positions.

The committee debated risks. Senator Penny warned that reducing an increase "we are potentially setting ourselves up to have waiting lists," noting that waiting lists carry costs and affect vulnerable populations. Senator Erickson framed the change as a "reduction in an increase," emphasizing the measures still provided more funding than last year.

Votes at a glance (selected outcomes adopted during the meeting): • Owens' waiver package (brain injury, community support, technology‑assisted, CCBHC planning grants, Medicaid add‑on to $15/day): motion carried. • Delete $100,000 for stream trash removal (state water plan fund fiscal year 26): motion carried. • Delete $225,000 for the Manhattan–Wamego corridor water system regionalization feasibility study (fiscal year 27): motion carried. • Delete $1,000,000 SGF from a $2,000,000 recommendation for the 'Level Up Kansas' workforce program (leave $1,000,000): motion carried. • Delete $6.1 million state contribution tied to grocery store STAR bonds (frees up SGF; committee found payments are currently being serviced): motion carried. • Delete $10,000,000 addition for contract labor at Larned State Hospital: motion failed; supporters said deletion would force hiring but opponents warned capacity would fall about 50% without contract nurses.

What’s next: sponsors were directed to file written language when possible; several items were deferred for further written documentation. The committee recessed for caucus and will reconvene to consider refiled language and remaining items.