2025 KHI Policy Series: Exploring Medicaid in Kansas

The 2025 KHI policy series Exploring Medicaid in Kansas offered a comprehensive exploration of Medicaid policy in Kansas, bringing together stakeholders from across the state to learn about and discuss key issues related to Medicaid (KanCare). Designed for policymakers, health care providers, advocates and community leaders, this series provides a platform for informed decision-making. Through a combination of expert presentations, interactive discussions and networking opportunities, attendees gained valuable insights and practical tools to understand Medicaid policy and how it impacts Kansans.

Session recordings and resources are now available on demand!

Series Launch: KHI Policy Series: Exploring Medicaid in Kansas

On Oct. 24, KHI launched the policy series Exploring Medicaid in Kansas. This inaugural event marked the beginning of the series, which focuses on Medicaid in Kansas. Attendees gained foundational insights into Medicaid eligibility and its impact on access to care, including details on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Participants engaged in discussions to help shape the future topics of this quarterly series. It was a valuable opportunity to learn from KHI experts and contribute to key Medicaid conversations in Kansas.

Session 1: Exploring Medicaid Benefits: How KanCare Addresses Health-Related Social Needs

On March 11, KHI held the first session in the 2025 policy series focused on understanding how KanCare, Kansas’ Medicaid program, integrates strategies to address health-related social needs. Participants learned about the program’s initiatives, policies and partnerships aimed at improving outcomes by addressing factors that influence health such as housing, food insecurity, transportation and access to community resources. By highlighting current efforts and areas for innovation, the series provides insights into how KanCare approaches addressing health-related social needs for Medicaid recipients.

Session 2: Exploring KanCare and Behavioral Health: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics

On June 10, KHI held the second session in the Exploring KanCare series focused on the role of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) in the state’s Medicaid landscape. This installment explored Kansas’ designation as a CCBHC Demonstration State and how use of this model affects access to comprehensive, coordinated behavioral health care for Medicaid beneficiaries. By integrating mental health and substance use treatment with primary care and social services, these organizations aim to improve outcomes for individuals with complex needs. The session highlighted CCBHCs’ impact on addressing service gaps, fostering innovation and advancing equitable, community-based care across Kansas.

Session 3: Exploring Maternal Health in KanCare: The Care Team

On Sept. 9, KHI held the third session in the Exploring Medicaid in Kansas series, Exploring Maternal Health in KanCare: The Care Team. The session examined the care team, including doulas, lactation consultants and community health workers in maternal and infant health for Medicaid beneficiaries in Kansas. It highlighted recent policy changes regarding maternal health and the role of health care teams in providing culturally competent, personalized care and support during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Participants gained an understanding of how these services contribute to health outcomes and equity in maternal care under KanCare.

On Dec. 9, KHI held the fourth session of the 2025 KHI policy series, Exploring Medicaid Populations: Reaching Individuals Who Are Unhoused. The final session in the series focused on strategies that can be used in Medicaid for reaching individuals who are unhoused. This session explored the unique challenges faced by unhoused populations in accessing health care and the critical role of Medicaid in addressing their needs. It examined innovative approaches in Kansas and other states, such as outreach programs, care coordination and partnerships with housing services, to improve health outcomes and stability for individuals who are unhoused.

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