During a recent government meeting, key discussions centered on the welfare of Kansans, particularly regarding healthcare and support services for individuals with disabilities. A notable 3.5% rate increase and a cost-of-living adjustment were highlighted as essential measures to ensure that basic needs are met with dignity across the state.

Rick Elskamp, a parent and advocate, raised concerns about Amerigroup, a managed care organization (MCO) that reportedly owes the state over $14 million in unpaid claims. Elskamp emphasized the need for accountability and suggested annual audits of MCOs to ensure proper fund allocation. His testimony underscored the importance of financial integrity in state contracts, particularly in healthcare.

Hal Oberholzer from Maxim Healthcare Services advocated for an increase in the reimbursement rate for specialized medical care to $60 per hour, reimbursement for overtime, and a new payment structure to facilitate patient transitions from hospitals to home care. He argued that these changes are crucial for providing adequate care to Kansas' most medically complex populations and could significantly reduce healthcare costs associated with prolonged hospital stays.

Dr. Michael Quinn, CEO of Autism Support Now, commended the state for increasing reimbursement rates for applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment, a critical service for individuals with autism. He called for the reconstitution of the autism task team to further develop policies that support the autism community, highlighting the growing prevalence of autism and the need for ongoing state initiatives.

Sean Gatewood from the KanCare Advocates Network echoed the need for improved services for children with autism, noting that many families face long wait times for evaluations and services. He pointed out that a significant number of children are placed in state custody due to unmet mental health needs, urging the committee to track these cases more closely.

Libby Hastings from Kansas Advocates for Better Care discussed the success of a new senior resource directory in Douglas County and advocated for the reinstatement of the \"Explore Your Options\" resource guide to assist older adults statewide. She emphasized the importance of accessible resources for aging Kansans.

Finally, Amy Campbell from the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living expressed gratitude for additional funding and highlighted the centers' role in supporting individuals with disabilities. She called for continued focus on rate parity to ensure equitable services across the state.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing healthcare services and support systems for vulnerable populations in Kansas, with a strong emphasis on accountability, resource accessibility, and the need for ongoing policy development.