Committee advances two bills: HB2703 (transparency studies) and HB2736 (charity‑care screening for some hospitals)
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Summary
After closing HB2550 testimony, the committee passed HB2703 (requires DOI financial impact reports on health insurance legislation) and passed HB2736 as amended (non‑disproportionate‑share hospitals to screen uninsured patients for charity care with a 90‑day post‑discharge window).
Following the HB2550 hearing, the Committee on Insurance considered two bills and moved both out of committee.
HB2703: Eileen summarized the Kansas Health Insurance Affordability Transparency Act, which would require the Department of Insurance to provide a financial‑impact report on health insurance legislation upon request by a legislator and prior to legislative consideration. A committee member moved to pass HB2703 favorably; the motion was seconded and the committee voted to advance the bill.
HB2736: Eileen then summarized HB2736, a bill directing nondisproportionate‑share hospitals to screen patients for charity‑care eligibility. During committee discussion members expressed concerns about timing and administrative burden. The chair introduced an amendment that (1) excluded patients who already have insurance from screening, (2) allowed hospitals 90 calendar days post‑discharge to complete screening and verification, (3) provided an appeal mechanism for adverse determinations (including use of third‑party vendors for screening), and (4) removed a proposed private right of action. The amendment passed on a voice vote and the committee then passed HB2736 as amended out favorably.
Votes recorded in the hearing audio were voice votes with no detailed roll call or tallies provided in the transcript. Both measures were reported favorably to the next stage of the legislative process.
