The bill amends K.S.A. 38-2001 to update the eligibility criteria and income requirements for the state children's health insurance program. Key changes include raising the gross household income limit for coverage from 225% to 250% of the federal poverty income guidelines. The bill also removes the previous waiting period for newly enrolled participants with family incomes over 200% of the federal poverty guidelines who had prior comprehensive health coverage, unless the coverage ended due to specific circumstances. Additionally, it mandates that the plan must include provisions for continuous eligibility for 12 months once a child is determined eligible and outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary of Health and Environment in implementing the program.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of performance-based contracting and the coordination of services with existing community health care providers. It clarifies that eligibility and benefits are not entitlements and are subject to the availability of state and federal funds. The bill also repeals the existing section of K.S.A. 38-2001, consolidating the updated provisions into a single, revised statute. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 38-2001