(Jan. 18, 2024) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), heard from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services regarding the Intellectual / Developmental Disability Waiver Program list. The committee heard about the work the agency has done on the waiver for the home- and community-based services process.

The committee learned the IDD waiver is the largest of seven programs administered by KDADS. They reported while the waiver currently serves more than 8,800 Kansans, there are 5,187 currently on the waiver waiting list for home- and community-based services. The agency emphasized the work and recommendations of the legislative interim committee.

The estimates provided to the committee include the standard 60/40 federal/state split and are estimated to be between $72 million and $129 million of all funds. The estimates include a monthly $20,000 cap in services. The agency described the most recent changes and work implemented by KDADS to assist those receiving waiver services.

The committee inquired as to why the CMS waivers application has taken so long and if a consultant is truly needed. The committee learned the Missouri IDD waiting has decreased, and staff indicated more services could be offered through Medicaid expansion. The agency highlighted 70 percent of those on the list are already on Medicaid. The committee asked what the wages are for those working ($10-$15/hour on average. The wages include some Federal Medical Assistance Percentage and hiring bonuses). The committee also asked how many direct care service workers are needed to assist those on the waiting lists.