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 certain groups, and establishes a rural health advisory committee to address rural health issues. The act emphasizes the importance of monitoring its implementation through the Robert G. (Bob) Bethell Joint Committee on Home and Community Based Services and KanCare Oversight, which will meet more frequently during the initial years.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the administration of medical assistance benefits through a managed care delivery system and outlines conditions for terminating coverage if federal funding falls below 90%. It explicitly states that abortion services will not be covered, except as required by federal law. The bill also requires a comprehensive report at the beginning of each legislative session detailing transfers to home and community-based services and insights into the KanCare program. Furthermore, it amends laws regarding health maintenance organizations and Medicare provider organizations by eliminating percentage-based fees in favor of a flat privilege fee of 5.77% of total premiums, while also introducing biannual reporting requirements for health maintenance organizations. The act will take effect upon publication in the Kansas register.

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