(March 2, 2026) - Today, the House Health and Human Services Committee met. The committee heard from David Jordan, President of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, on Access to Maternal Health in Kansas. Jordan emphasized the lack of access and the higher death rates today compared with 20 years ago. Issues raised by conferees included access to pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and CRNAs; ambulance services; and federal Medicaid cuts. The group highlighted policy opportunities such as telehealth, regionalization of care, increased reimbursement, or the establishment of a reimbursement system specific to this type of care, and ongoing engagement.

The committee heard from Leslie Anderson with the Kansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The committee heard about who is eligible for services and what core services are provided, including in-home and support services, nutrition services, health promotion and disease prevention, the family caregiver support program and supportive services such as transportation, legal, mental health, and adult day care. The funding sources for the group.

The committee will meet again tomorrow.