The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans (HAWK) Act seeks to enhance 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 access medical assistance starting January 1, 2026. The act requires the Secretary of Health and Environment to submit requests to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for implementation and mandates employment verification for applicants, with exemptions for certain groups. Additionally, it establishes a rural health advisory committee and requires regular reporting on the costs and savings associated with the act's implementation. Importantly, the act specifies that it will not cover abortion services, except as required by federal law.

The bill also introduces a new fee structure for health maintenance organizations and Medicare provider organizations, instituting a flat privilege fee of 5.77% of total premiums, while eliminating previous percentage-based fees. It mandates semi-annual reporting of expected charges and repeals certain existing statutes related to Medicaid and health maintenance organization fees to streamline processes. Furthermore, it requires a comprehensive report at the beginning of each legislative session detailing the transfer of individuals to home and community-based services, along with various metrics related to the KanCare program. The provisions of this act will take effect upon publication in the Kansas register.

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