Welcome to Pulse on Kansas, a new series reporting data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey on important impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kansas. Just released are the first issue describing the Household Pulse Survey and how it can be used, along with the next two issues examining the impact of the pandemic on mental health and insurance coverage in Kansas. Look for additional issues about once a month over the next year!
Read MoreBecause we understand that health policy may not be the main area of expertise for many legislators, the Kansas Health Institute offered two virtual orientations for legislators to introduce important topics and answer questions.
Read MoreThis brief provides information about health insurance plan options and premium costs in each of the seven rating areas in Kansas for plan year 2021, as well as discussion of financial assistance options and factors impacting enrollment.
Read MoreHealth insurance is considered essential to access high-quality health care and offers protection from excessive medical bills. Throughout the year, the Kansas Health Institute (KHI) provides detailed information about insurance coverage in Kansas to enrich ongoing discussion of health coverage options in Kansas and on the national level. This infographic provides a high-level overview of insurance coverage for 2,872,404 Kansans in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreIf you live in Kansas, there is a good chance you have had to pay a medical bill that you thought would be covered by insurance. What causes these “surprise” medical bills and why are consumers in Kansas more likely to receive them than consumers in most other states? What are policymakers around the country doing to protect consumers? Register now for this virtual event to learn more about this issue and to hear from a panel of experts who will discuss what can be done to protect consumers from surprise medical bills.
Read MoreUsing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, this fact sheet details health insurance coverage for Kansans in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, by congressional district and age group. The uninsured rate varied from a low of 7.9 percent in the 2nd Congressional District to a high of 10.3 percent in the 4th District. The statewide rate was 9.2 percent, representing 262,392 uninsured Kansans.
Read MoreWhy does health care cost Americans so much? What role do providers, insurers and patients play in the cost of care? On September 30, the Kansas Health Institute hosted a virtual event that explored different perspectives on these questions and strategies for responding to rising costs.
Read MoreHow does the maze of retail prescription drug pricing and distribution work in the United States? What are the implications for consumers and payers attempting to navigate it? On Sept. 17, 2020, the Kansas Health Institute held a virtual event to explore these issues and help shed light on the complex system and the options state policymakers across the country are using to rein in costs. Watch the video and learn more in the accompanying issue brief.
Read MoreIn 2018, uninsured rates in Kansas varied widely by county, region and population density. Understanding the health insurance landscape in Kansas prior to COVID-19 could help policymakers as they work to mitigate the health and economic consequences of the pandemic. Learn more in our new series of fact sheets.
Read MoreIn the United States, health insurance coverage is often tied to employment. Before COVID-19 affected the Kansas economy, employment-based insurance was the most common source of coverage. Now, many Kansans have lost their jobs and possibly their health insurance coverage. Understanding the insurance landscape in Kansas prior to COVID-19 might help anticipate what changes in coverage are on the horizon. Learn more in our new report, Annual Insurance Update 2020: Health Insurance in Kansas.
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Watch for upcoming events about health policy issues or check out materials and recordings from past events.
Legislative activity highlights with a specific focus on health policy related issues.
Blog explaining how important national news and developments are relevant to Kansas and Kansans.