Advocacy in Action (September 2024): KABC Testifies at the Bob Bethell KanCare Oversight Committee

Libby Hastings • October 1, 2024

On Monday, August 26th, Libby Hastings, Communication and Public Relations Coordinator, had the honor of presenting testimony on behalf of KABC to the Robert G. Bethell Joint Committee on Home & Community Based Services & KanCare Oversight Committee. Our goal was clear: to advocate for the reinstatement of the "Explore Your Options" (EYO) resource guide, a vital tool for older Kansans and their caregivers.

In recent months, our work with the Douglas County Senior Resource Directory has underscored the critical need for a comprehensive resource guide. Since launching the directory, we've seen firsthand how essential it is for older adults to have access to reliable, up-to-date information about the services and resources available to them. The response to our directory has been overwhelmingly positive, with individuals and families expressing their appreciation for a resource that helps them navigate the complexities of long-term care. 


The importance of the EYO guide was highlighted in the Final Report of the Kansas Senior Care Task Force to the 2023 Kansas Legislature. A key recommendation from the Task Force was for the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) to reinstitute the EYO guide, which would provide a centralized, accessible source of information for older adults across the state. The guide would be published online and in print, ensuring that those without internet access can still benefit from this essential resource.


The need for such a guide is urgent. As one of the working groups from the Kansas Senior Care Task Force noted, it is critical for older adults and caregivers to know where to access service information and resources when the need for long-term supports and services arises. The lack of access to reliable, accurate information can lead to frustration, confusion, and potentially harmful outcomes for seniors and their families. 


While some areas of the state, like Johnson County and Central Plains, have found ways to create their own versions of the EYO guide, most counties do not have the resources or capacity to do so without state assistance. That’s why we’re asking this committee to encourage and support KDADS in bringing back the EYO guide. By doing so, we can ensure that all older Kansans, regardless of where they live, have the information they need to make informed decisions about their care. 


Dan Goodman testifies before legislative committee

KABC Testifies Before Bethell Committee

By Libby Hastings • October 16, 2025
On Monday, October 13th, Dan Goodman, Executive Director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC), delivered testimony before the Robert G. Bethell Joint Committee on Home & Community Based Services & KanCare Oversight. His remarks focused on the urgent need to strengthen Kansas’ long-term care system through sustainable funding and workforce investments. Goodman urged legislators to provide additional funding for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Frail Elderly waiver , noting projected shortfalls of $27 million in FY26 and $70 million in FY27. Without intervention, hundreds of older Kansans could face placement on a waitlist as early as this fall—delaying access to critical in-home services and increasing the risk of premature institutionalization. He also highlighted the need to support and stabilize the state’s long-term care workforce by exploring innovative approaches used in other states. For example, New Mexico’s Competitive Pay for Professionals program has helped attract and retain workers by linking higher wages to improved reimbursement rates and accountability measures. Goodman suggested Kansas consider similar models to strengthen its caregiving workforce and ensure providers can offer competitive pay. KABC remains committed to advocating for policies that promote quality care, protect older adults, and sustain a strong, well-supported caregiving system across Kansas. Read KABC’s full testimony here: View Testimony (PDF) Watch a full recording of the committee here: YouTube Link

Legislative Update: Nursing Home Oversight in Kansas

By Libby Hastings • October 6, 2025
On October 1st and 2nd, the 2025 Special Committee on Health and Social Services met, with the first day devoted to nursing home surveying and credentialing. The joint committee of both House and Senate members heard from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, industry representatives from Kansas and out of state, administrators, and contractors. Notably absent were the voices of consumers, their family members, and facility staff , the people most affected by long-term care policy. The committee heard information about: Survey Backlogs and Staffing Challenges KDADS contracts with the federal government to inspect adult care homes for health and safety compliance. KDADS has struggled for years to meet federal requirements, due in large part to recruiting and retaining nurse surveyor positions. More than half of the 60 approved positions were vacant earlier this year. As a result, Kansas currently averages 19.9 months between nursing home inspections , far beyond the federal requirement of 12-15.9 months. With just over 300 federally licensed facilities in the state, timely inspections are critical to protecting residents. To address this, KDADS eliminated 15 vacant positions and raised starting pay: up to $60,000 for multidisciplinary surveyors and $67,000 for RNs . The agency is also considering incentives to encourage more RNs to work as surveyors. Kansas has one of the highest rates of the most serious deficiencies, known as Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) deficiencies, in the nation , citations for situations where resident health and safety are at serious risk. The committee explored the possibility of privatizing the survey process. Resident Rights at Risk Testimony also revealed troubling practices in some nursing homes, including charging residents $200–$300 per month in “pharmacy provider” or “medication set-up” fees if they choose to use an outside pharmacy. This practice undermines residents’ right to choose their own providers and unfairly penalizes private-pay residents, already shouldering an average of $7,000–$8,000 per month in nursing home costs. Involuntary Discharges and the Ombudsman’s Recommendation The Long-Term Care Ombudsman urged lawmakers to expand discharge reporting requirements. As she noted: “Federal regulations require a notice to be sent to our office for a facility-initiated transfer (involuntary discharge) in federally licensed nursing homes, but that is not the case for state licensed homes, assisted livings, home pluses and residential health care facilities. With the help of our office, we can often help resolve the reason for the discharge notice to prevent a resident transfer or support the resident to ensure a transition occurs safely.” The committee heard concerns from representatives of the nursing home industry and decided to delay making a recommendation on this issue, noting that additional information is needed. KABC has advocated for not only strengthening the reporting requirements but also giving residents of assisted living facilities the same right to appeal an involuntary discharge that nursing home residents enjoy. Raising the Personal Needs Allowance The Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents is a monthly stipend that Medicaid recipients can use for personal expenses. In Kansas, the PNA is just $62 per month. Many residents express concern that this amount is insufficient to cover basic personal expenses such as haircuts or undergarments. An immediate increase to the allowance is needed, along with an ongoing adjustment to keep pace with rising costs. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman recommended a PNA increase to the national average of $72 with an additional annual Cost of Living Adjustment. KABC’s Position KABC will continue to advocate for: • Strong oversight of nursing homes. • Resident rights protections, including freedom of choice in providers. • Central inclusion of residents and staff voices in all policy discussions. You can watch the hearing on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel here . KABC will continue to monitor these conversations closely as the 2026 legislative session approaches.