The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans (HAWK) Act seeks to expand medical assistance eligibility in Kansas by allowing adults under 65 years of age, who are not pregnant and whose income does not exceed 138% of the federal poverty level, to receive medical assistance starting January 1, 2026. The act requires the Secretary of Health and Environment to submit approval requests to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and implement a managed care delivery system for administering benefits. It also mandates employment verification for applicants, with certain exemptions, and establishes a rural health advisory committee to address rural health issues. The act specifies that it will not cover abortion services except where mandated by federal law and includes provisions for the Robert G. (Bob) Bethell Joint Committee on Home and Community Based Services and KanCare Oversight to monitor the implementation of the HAWK Act.

Additionally, the bill requires a comprehensive report at the beginning of each regular legislative session detailing the transfer of individuals from state or private institutions to home and community-based services, along with various metrics related to the KanCare program. It amends existing laws regarding health maintenance organizations and Medicare provider organizations, establishing a new privilege fee structure of 5.77% of total premiums and subscription charges, and requires biannual reports from health maintenance organizations on expected premium collections. The act also repeals certain statutes related to medical assistance fees and includes provisions for reconciling privilege fee overpayments or underpayments. The act will take effect upon publication in the Kansas register.

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