(Jan. 17, 2024) – Today, the House Health and Human Services committee, chaired by Representative Brenda Landwehr (R-Wichita), heard an update on EMS. Presenting before the committee was Jason White, Mid America Regional Council, and Carl Olson, Kansas EMS Association.
White discussed what a community paramedic does to serve the public for patients in underserved communities, as well as the educational and certification processes. He emphasized the service is only reimbursable if the patient is taken to the hospital. He discussed the referral process between pre-hospital services, emergency department, transitional care management, clinic, chronic care management, social services and community partners. White shared a case study from another state, highlighting how a particular patient benefitted from a community emergency services program. He highlighted the services available from Johnson and Douglas Counties with an aim to expand those services to rural areas following a community meeting in November. White highlighted the partnership with the Kansas Hospital Association and the Kansas Community Care Network. He emphasized how telehealth is an important component allowing people to avoid the emergency room. White highlighted there are no training or regulatory requirements that prevent this service model in Kansas.
The committee members inquired into the amount of uncompensated care provided through EMS and if it is billed to local government. They also asked if Missouri has experienced a reduction in uncompensated care. White highlighted that after expanding Medicaid in Arkansas, they did see an improvement. He indicated he would provide additional information.
The committee also heard from the following local departments:
- Chief Mark Heath, Kansas City Kansas Emergency Medical Services
- Adiel Garcia, Johnson County Emergency Medical Services
- Kevin Joels, Douglas County Emergency Medical Services
Alice Weingartner, with the Community Care Health Network, appeared before the committee to highlight how several of its federally qualified health centers brought mobile units into their communities for the residents to see. In May, they received a grant to become more engaged in community paramedicine. This interaction is a great way to get Kansans care. The service is funded by grants, and the hope is to continue these conversations.
The committee next heard from Chuck Schmidt from the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature. Schmidt highlighted the advocacy agenda for 2024:
- Support for Medicaid expansion
- Expand the Grandparents as Caregivers Act
- Establish a committee to explore expanded use of medical cannabis
- Eliminate tax cliff to qualify for an exemption of social security benefits from state income tax
- Oppose efforts restricting or preventing seniors from exercising their voting rights
The committee will meet again next week on Tuesday for a presentation on the Mental Health Intervention Team Program.