A message from KMS Executive Director, Rachelle Colombo
In the months since the legislature adjourned the 2024 session and schools were let out for summer vacation, several political cycles have passed. June brought the Governor-ordered special session to pass tax relief for Kansas. This task was completed in just two days with a final package very closely resembling the proposals vetoed earlier in the spring. The Legislature also approved a tax incentive package designed to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to the Kansas side of the state line in the coming years. The Governor approved the measure, and the Special Session was over, triggering the beginning of a shortened primary election season.
Though most voters are more interested in national news and politics, it is often the races closest to home that make the biggest impact on day-to-day life and issues. But there can be no doubt that the “top of the ticket” is what draws people to the polls… or in the case of topline candidates this year, fails to draw people to the polls. Kansas is a solidly red state, with only the 3rd congressional district in the most populus northeast corner of the state turning purple. Battles between the more moderate and conservative factions of the Republican party are often the most contentious portion of the election cycle, culminating with the Primary election in early August. But this summer’s election yielded a historically low voter turn-out and very little change to the complexion of the Kansas legislature which has maintained a supermajority of Republicans in both the House and Senate for the last decade. In a “normal” year, the general election completes the process with one or two seats changing parties and very few surprises.
But if there is anything constant in life, it is change and this summer has seen some significant changes. President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race and to support the nomination of Vice President Harris has infused new energy and momentum into the top of the ticket. The move has spurred the flow of funds and excitement into the Democratic party that will undoubtedly trickle down to some state-level races. In some purple districts where Republicans have previously prevailed, this post-primary shift at the national level could encourage voter turn-out that moves the needle and certainly changes the messaging in those battleground districts.
The Kansas Medical Society doesn’t engage in statewide or federal races, but we do monitor and contribute to state legislative races through our political action committee, KAMPAC. As we prepare for the 2025 session, we are seeking additional increases in Medicaid reimbursement and hearing from a variety of non-physician providers pushing for expanded medical scope. We also expect efforts from the plaintiff’s attorneys to erode our positive malpractice environment and to introduce legislation containing new causes of action against physicians. It is critical that we engage in supporting candidates who support physician-led care and are open to learning about the impact of these policy proposals. Since this march, Kansas physicians have contributed more than $30,000 to KAMPAC, buoying our ability to support pro-medicine candidates.
As we all know, elections come and go, and for the most part, our lives go back to normal in November. The mailers and calls and texts stop and sometimes it is hard to tell what has changed and which meaningful policies will actually emerge. As it relates to the practice of medicine, the Kansas Medical Society is watching and weighing in on your behalf, whether the legislature is in session or in between, regardless of who is President or Governor. We are working with both parties and several government agencies to ensure that Kansans have access to physician-led teams and that physician Medicaid reimbursement is gradually increased over time to better cover costs. Throughout this newsletter, you’ll get updates on those policies and others, events we sponsor to support you, and other programs we offer to advocate for your health and well-being. Regardless of the season or the election cycle, we are here to advocate for you, and it is our privilege to do so. If you have questions about candidates, races, policies, or problems facing your practice, please reach out, we are here.
Yours,
Rachelle Colombo
Last session, the legislature approved the Kansas Medical Society’s request for a comprehensive increase to the physician fee schedule. We requested a 5% increase in 2023 and a 10% increase in 2024. The legislature passed a 3% and 9% increase, respectively, and appropriated additional funds from the State General Fund to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), which administers Medicaid, to cover the increased cost. The increase was set to take effect at the beginning of the new fiscal year on July 1 but was delayed by changes in which MCOs were awarded the KanCare contracts. Additionally, we were notified in late July that the increase would take effect in early August, but 9% would not be applied to all codes. Global billing codes would not receive an increase at all and other codes would be increased depending on their percentage of the Medicare rate. The department’s notice can be read here: 2024 Physician Rate Increase
Neither the Legislature nor the Kansas Medical Society was aware that the increase would not be applied as allocated by the legislature. KDHE cited CMS concerns with increases that would exceed the Medicare fee schedule rate. We are working with KDHE to obtain more information about these concerns, the application of the increase, and how to achieve the combined 12% increase that the legislature intended for the entire physician fee schedule. We will update you as more information comes to light and as we prepare for additional legislative requests in 2025.
Additionally:
- United Healthcare has updated its Gold Card Program. To read more about the Gold Card status, CLICK HERE.
- Humana has updated its transaction fee for paper checks. CLICK HERE to read their updated policy.
- Beginning in August/September, CMS PERM Audit Review Contractor, Employer Al, Inc., will request medical records from providers whose Medicaid or CHIP Fee-for-Services claims are randomly selected for review. To read more, CLICK HERE.
- Tuesday, September 10, 2024, you're invited to a State House and Senate Candidate meet and greet! Healthcare associations, including KMS, will host a meet and greet in Wichita for area House and Senate Candidates. This is an opportunity to share more about practice issues and the policies most important to the patients you serve. Please see the invite and RSVP below!
- September 17, 2024, is National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. In order to decrease the rate of physician suicide, greater support in the healthcare industry is critical. Please familiarize yourself with the resources provided through the Kansas Medical Society’s Professionals Health Program and reach out if you or someone you know needs help. CLICK HERE to learn more and join the campaign to prevent physician suicide.
- Wednesday, January 29, 2025, plan to participate in the Kansas Medical Society's Advocacy & Physician Day at the Statehouse. Join colleagues from all specialties from across the state for a unique opportunity to hear about and engage in discussions on issues that impact the practice of medicine in Kansas.
