Kansas Health Institute | Work by Jim McLean

New kind of Kansas health insurance company in the works

Federal funds would be used to start member-owned company to compete in individual, small group markets

A Wichita group is working to develop a member-owned co-op that would provide thousands of Kansans with health insurance. And they want the coverage to be different from plans offered by traditional carriers.

The Great Health Reform Debate: Some Kansas experts weigh in

To help Kansans better understand the law, the problems it was intended to address and the issues that prompted Kansas and 25 other states to challenge it in court, the Kansas Health Institute recently talked to several experts. Excerpts from those conversations are featured in this collection of short videos.

New drug disposal program unveiled

State health officials say they've come up with a safer, easier way for households to dispose of unwanted or out-of-date prescription drugs. The new program is expected to help reduce the growing number of people treated at Kansas hospitals for unintentional drug poisoning.

Schmidt’s pledge to join ACA challenge bolstered candidacy

Kansas AG optimistic states will prevail, but Washburn law professor predicts otherwise

A year ago, newly sworn in Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt asked to join the multistate lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. That case has now made it to the U.S. Supreme Court, which began an unprecedented three days of hearings on it this week.

Interview: Attorney Derek Schmidt on the legal challenge of the health reform law

Kansas solicitor general goes to D.C. for health reform case

KU law professor Stephen McAllister to help prep states' attorney in ACA challenge

Attorney General Derek Schmidt has dispatched Kansas Solicitor General Stephen McAllister to Washington, D.C., to help prepare the attorneys representing Kansas and 25 other states in their challenge of the federal health reform law.

Leadership training awarded to two organizations

Unable to choose between two finalist organizations, the Kansas Leadership Center on Thursday selected both to receive $1 million worth of leadership training.

House passes tax reform bill

In addition to income tax reductions, measure now calls for repeal of sales tax on food

The Kansas House on Wednesday gave final approval to an overhaul of the state’s tax structure.

House postpones debate on tax-reduction plan

Advocates for the poor make case for keeping Earned Income Tax Credit

Today’s expected House vote on a plan to reduce income taxes and cap state spending has been rescheduled to Tuesday.

Hundreds protest Brownback initiatives, influence of ALEC

A coalition made up of what one participant called “a ragtag group of brave people” rallied on the Statehouse steps to demonstrate their opposition to a range of policy changes advocated by Gov. Sam Brownback.

House committee votes to halt spending of health reform grant funds

Proviso would bar insurance commissioner from using remaining dollars to plan for ACA implementation

The House Appropriations Committee has voted to block Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger from spending any more money to plan for implementation of the federal health reform law.

Compact would take Kansas out of federal Medicaid and Medicare programs

Kansas legislators are being urged to join a multistate compact formed to challenge the federal government’s authority to set health policy.

Dental association says new program will increase access in rural areas

But backers of dental practitioner bill say their plan would do more to solve the problem

A new Kansas Dental Association program aims to recruit new dentists to work in the state's "dental deserts."

Insurance industry whistleblower criticizes Medicaid plan

Author Wendell Potter also defends federal health reform in K.C. speech

Privatizing the Kansas Medicaid program is a potentially disastrous idea, according to a former insurance-industry insider turned health-reform crusader.

State welfare agency works to get handle on fraud and abuse

SRS secretary says problem is bigger than federal audit reveals

A federal audit underestimated the number of Kansans receiving improper food stamp benefits, according to the head of the agency that administers the program.

Call for unity resonates at Southeast Kansas economic summit

Senators organize effort to improve region's quality of life

What began a few years ago as an attempt to improve lagging health rankings in southeast Kansas has morphed into an effort to transform the region’s long-battered economy.

Governor launches first of three childhood-poverty forums

Other events planned this week in Wichita and Garden City

Reducing the number of children born to single mothers is the most effective way to combat childhood poverty. That's according to Robert Rector, the Heritage Foundation fellow picked by Gov. Sam Brownback to keynote the first of his administration's three planned meetings this week on the topic of childhood poverty. Rector's remarks angered some in the audience of about 250 people.

Program to track prescription drug abuse faces funding challenge

Kansas pharmacists and doctors cite early benefits of K-TRACS

Nearly 4,000 doctors and 1,000 drug dispensers in Kansas have signed up for Kansas Tracking and Reporting of Controlled Substances, or K-TRACS.

KDHE spearheading state’s participation in National Rural Health Day

Amid challenges such as aging populations and a shortage of health care providers, the state will mark National Rural Health Day on November 17.

Kansas group hopes to keep CLASS Act on the books

Solvency question prompts HHS to postpone implementation

A long-term care insurance program built into the national health reform law can be fixed and shouldn’t be repealed, according to the head of a group that represents nonprofit nursing homes in Kansas.

Nonprofit expert preaches "Capitalism 2.0"

Robert Egger is pushing for new ways to measure and improve the value of nonprofit work

The founder of the D.C. Central Kitchen came to Topeka to espouse his ideas for measuring and improving the social capital provided by churches, soup kitchens and other nonprofit groups that he said enhance communities and civic character.

Modernized Medicaid enrollment system up in the air

Governor's decision to reject federal grant puts funding for the project in question

The fate of a new Medicaid enrollment system in the works since 2009 is up in the air until state officials can decide how to replace funding for the project lost due to Gov. Sam Brownback’s recent decision to terminate a $31.5 million federal health reform grant.

Lower costs and better care not incompatible

KDHE chief says Medicaid drug costs can come down as patient care goes up

Kansas' top health official said he believes the state’s Medicaid drug costs can be cut in ways that will improve care for the program’s beneficiaries, particularly those with chronic or multiple health problems.

Grant giveback creates uncertainty about insurance exchange

But insurance department officials say exchange work groups will continue to meet

No clarity on whether state will continue to move forward or allow federal government to operate online health insurance marketplace required by reform law

KPR, KHI team coverage of Brownback decision to return federal health reform grant

Kansas Public Radio this morning aired two stories looking at Gov. Sam Brownback's decision to return a $31.5 million federal grant that was awarded to help Kansas officials create an insurance purchasing exchange.

Kansas rejects $31.5 million for insurance exchange

Gov. Sam Brownback returns federal funds designated for health reform

Gov. Sam Brownback today announced that Kansas would reject $31.5 million that it was awarded in February to plan an insurance exchange that other states could use as a model.

Conference crowd interested in faith-based initiatives

SRS official says plans for them still on the drawing board

Workshop on faith-based initiatives draws strong interest at poverty conference. Churches should do more to help the needy, according to the director of a Topeka homeless shelter who spoke at the meeting.

KHI, Kansas Public Radio reports focus on changes at SRS

These are anxious times for Kansans with mental illness and developmental disabilities. The state agency that provides services to them – the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services – is cutting budgets and closing offices at the same time it is launching new faith-based initiatives aimed at strengthening marriage and families.

KHI/KPR audio report: Brownback Medicaid reform initiative

An effort is underway in Kansas to transform Medicaid and reduce its cost.

Moran says uncertainty about health reform law an issue for providers

But CEO of Topeka hospital says law also making needed changes in the system

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran is the co-sponsor of legislation that would allow states to opt out of the federal health reform law until the legal challenges to it have been resolved.

Kansas foundations establish health reform grant fund

Fund part of larger effort to ensure consumer interests represented as reform law is implemented

Five Kansas health foundations have formed a $450,000 fund to help nonprofit organizations, providers and state and local units of government compete for billions of dollars in federal health reform grants.

KHI's Cleveland and McLean discuss the business of health care

Senior Analyst Suzanne Cleveland and Vice President for Public Affairs Jim McLean of the Kansas Health Institute talk about the business of health care with Lena Rodriguez, co-host of KTWU's "I've Got Issues."

Kansans in Congress like House GOP budget plan

But critics say it would cost Kansas billions while favoring the rich

Kansans in Congress say they like the House GOP budget plan unveiled this week. But critics say it would cost Kansans more than $15 billion over 10 years, shifting costs to the state and to individuals who can least afford them.

Wyandotte County health-improvement efforts seen as model

Officials hopeful that small successes will lead to long-term gains

Through the years, Wyandotte County has been the focus of many programs designed to raise people out of poverty, create jobs, lower crime rates and fix the schools. Some have been more effective others. But none really succeeded.

Repeal unlikely but changes being proposed to smoke-free law

Smoking ban’s affect on lottery revenues could factor into discussion

Two bills to alter the state's smoking ban will be heard in a legislative committee this week; one would remove the exemption for casinos and the other would add exemptions for bars that sell lottery tickets and games.

Kansas getting $31.5 million health exchange grant

Kansas one of seven states intended to serve as models for others

Kansas is getting a $31.5 million federal grant to design the backbone technology needed to operate the insurance purchasing exchange it must establish to comply with the federal health reform law.

Moran, Yoder talk about future of health reform

“It’s not a waste of time to stand up for the beliefs of your constituents who sent you to Washington,” Rep. Kevin Yoder said during a recent interview in his new office across the street from the U.S. Capitol.

New poll shows wide support for smoke-free law

Public health coalition engages Republican polling firm

Results of a statewide poll released today show that 77 percent of Kansas voters support the new state law that prohibits smoking in most public places. Support crosses party lines. Most smokers also favor the law, according to the survey.

Senate leadership skeptical of opt-out amendment

Concerns include misleading Kansas voters

The top ranking members of the Kansas Senate say a constitutional amendment up for debate this week in the Kansas House is at best unnecessary and at worst potentially misleading to voters.

Brownback issues order reorganizing KHPA

Gov. Sam Brownback late today followed through on a promise to reorganize the Kansas Health Policy Authority.

Schmidt hails Florida ruling in health reform case

Kansas attorney general says he's focused on legal issues not health policy debate

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is calling the latest federal court ruling on the health reform law “a victory for the rule of law and individual liberty.”

Divide over health reform likely to continue

Survey analysts predict a divided public until the 2012 elections

A new survey suggests that the lines that divide American public opinion on the health reform law have hardened and probably won’t change much until the 2012 presidential election.

Moran wants U.S. Senate vote on health reform repealer

Kansan wants to test the "conventional wisdom"

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas is joining fellow Republicans in urging Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow a vote on the health reform repeal bill passed by the U.S. House on Wednesday.

Merger planning underway for KHPA and KDHE

Transition team being assembled, ERO still on the way

KDHE Secretary Robert Moser told a House committee that work has already started on merging his agency with the Kansas Health Policy Authority. Other Brownback administration officials said the Executive Reorganization Orders for merging various state agencies, which were announced earlier by the governor, will be issued within the next few days.

Brownback agenda to include Medicaid reform

Governor-elect says “re-design” initiative will have two-fold objective of lowering costs and improving services

Re-designing the state Medicaid program will be one of Governor-elect Sam Brownback’s priorities after he takes office next week.

Sebelius touting reform law ahead of repeal debate

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius used a conference call with reporters on Monday to extol the benefits of the health reform law and warn against its repeal.

Praeger gets green light to proceed with reform

Republican opponents of the law say they must be practical about it

Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger said Governor-elect Sam Brownback and key state legislators opposed to the federal health reform law have signaled it is OK for her to continue her work to implement it.

Parkinson: “I’m walking into a tough situation”

Health reform challenges await outgoing governor in new job

Outgoing Gov. Mark Parkinson said he doesn’t expect his life to get much easier when he trades the challenges of running Kansas government for those of representing the nursing home industry in the nation’s capital.

Controversial CMS director to make first congressional appearance

Sen. Pat Roberts among Dr. Donald Berwick’s critics, HHS Secretary Sebelius strong supporter

Pat Roberts and other Republicans on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee will get their chance this week to question the physician installed last summer as the head of the agency that runs the federal government’s two largest health insurance programs – Medicare and Medicaid.

Sebelius visits Wichita safety net clinic

The HHS secretary was stumping for health reform

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is out to convince Americans that repealing the new health reform law is a bad idea.