The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans (HAWK) Act aims to expand medical assistance eligibility in Kansas for adults under 65 who are not pregnant and have an income not exceeding 138% of the federal poverty level. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Environment to request necessary approvals from the United States Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement this expansion. It also mandates employment verification for applicants, with exemptions for full-time students and individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the act establishes a rural health advisory committee and requires regular reporting on the program's costs and savings. The bill includes provisions for enhanced oversight of the KanCare program and stipulates that coverage will be terminated if the federal medical assistance percentage falls below 90%. Importantly, the act specifies that it will not cover abortion services except as mandated by federal law.

Moreover, the bill requires a comprehensive report at the beginning of each legislative session detailing the transfer of individuals from institutions to home and community-based services, along with insights into the KanCare program's quality of care and consumer satisfaction. It also amends laws regarding health maintenance organizations and Medicare provider organizations, introducing a fixed privilege fee rate of 5.77% of total premiums and requiring biannual reports on expected premiums. The act repeals certain existing statutes and will take effect upon publication in the Kansas register.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 39-7, 40-3213