(Jan. 14, 2026) – Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, chaired by Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), heard testimony from Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Janet Stanek. The Secretary provided an overview of the agency's focus areas and annual program reports, including the Provider Assessment, and highlighted each Bureau's work within the Division of Public Health.

Secretary Stanek highlighted the Rural Health Transformation Grant, which awarded Kansas $221 million in year one, and emphasized that applications must be submitted annually. She updated the committee on calls with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services this week, explained the level of detail CMS is requesting, and noted that the advisory group met yesterday.

Committee members asked whether any consideration had been given to adding legislative representation to the advisory committee and whether the second amount of money had already been allocated. Senator Clifford described technology needs and products for rural clinics and asked where those items are considered in this first round. Secretary Stanek suggested a conversation with Dr. Bob Moser would be helpful. Committee members asked how funds are disbursed, and Secretary Stanek emphasized that these are programmatic funds, not operational, and that while there can be some overlap, it's limited. She also noted that payments for items covered by another Medicaid plan can't be replaced. Secretary Stanek cited examples, noting that many hospitals don't pursue Rural Emergency Hospital designation due to associated costs, and suggested allocating funds to that activity. The committee asked whether those funds are currently available. Secretary Stanek indicated they will update the budget by the end of the month, with those funds available shortly thereafter. Chair Gossage expressed disappointment that legislators haven't been involved in the process and asked whether these programs must remain sustainable beyond federal funding.