The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans (HAWK) Act seeks 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 certain groups, and establishes a rural health advisory committee to address health issues in rural areas. The act emphasizes the administration of medical assistance through a managed care system and outlines conditions for terminating coverage if federal funding falls below 90%. Importantly, it specifies that abortion services will not be covered, except as required by federal law.

Additionally, the bill requires a comprehensive report at the start of each legislative session detailing the transfer of individuals from institutions to home and community-based services, along with insights into the KanCare program. It amends existing laws related to health maintenance organizations and Medicare provider organizations by introducing a fixed privilege fee of 5.77% of total premiums, replacing previous percentage-based fees. Health maintenance organizations will also be required to submit biannual reports estimating their total expected premiums. The bill repeals certain existing statutes and will take effect upon publication in the Kansas register.

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