KHCA/KCAL Update 12/22/25

December 22, 2025

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The Latest News

Administration Outlines Plans To Reduce Pharmaceutical Costs Through Medicare

Reuters (12/19, Sunny) reported the Administration on Friday "announced pilot programs to start in 2026 and 2027 that are aimed at reducing out-of-pocket drug costs under the Medicare health care program...to prices on par with economically comparable countries." CMS "said the programs, titled Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) and Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE), would assess a rebate for certain drugs payable under Medicare part D and Part B, respectively, if they exceed the prices paid in other similar countries."

Media Release: Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact. READ MORE

FREE Recurring Monthly Members Only MDS Call

January 14, 2026 @ 10:00 AM

Calendar invited will be sent on January 5, 2026.

We’ve heard from many members about the need for additional support and resources for MDS nurses. In response, KHCA is launching a new monthly Members-Only MDS Call beginning January 14, 2026.

This first call will be guided by two seasoned MDS leaders—Cynthia Pendleton (Americare) and Rachel Dautenhahn (RecoverCare)—who will help facilitate discussion, answer questions, and share best practices.

Because this is a brand-new group, we encourage participants to submit any MDS-related questions in advance. Your input will help shape the conversation and ensure we address the topics most important to you. We’re excited to provide a space for members to connect, collaborate, and strengthen their MDS knowledge.

Submit your MDS question here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SM3JBVN

All submissions will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Don’t Miss the 2026 National Quality Award Application Deadline

Next year marks a special milestone – the 30th anniversary of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program! For three decades, this program has helped long term and post-acute care providers strengthen their systems, improve outcomes, and celebrate excellence in care.

If you are planning to apply for a 2026 National Quality Award, please remember that applications are due by January 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM CT. READ MORE

Medicare Advantage Plans Denying, Delaying Medically Necessary Post-Acute Care Often, AHCA Survey Finds

Provider Magazine (12/1, 151K) reported, "With more than half of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, a survey from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) finds that MA plans are denying or delaying medically necessary post-acute care, often against medical professionals’ recommendations, on a daily and weekly basis." AHCA President and CEO Clif Porter said, "This constant hoop-jumping is resulting in too many skilled nursing patients being discharged too soon against medical advice, threatening their recovery."

CMS To Require Medicare Advantage Plans To Submit Data On Initial Coverage Decisions, Appeals

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (12/18, Marselas) reports CMS "will soon require all Medicare Advantage plans to submit data on initial coverage decisions and appeals they process," the agency announced in a Wednesday memo. While "the mandatory reporting would begin in 2027," the agency "is currently seeking insurance company volunteers to test a pilot starting in the second half of 2026." AHCA Vice President for Reimbursement Policy and Population Health Nisha Hammel said, "This is an important step on the path to ensuring that Medicare Advantage plans offer the transparency necessary for seniors and their families to make informed decisions."

Education Spotlight

Aging Services Day

Mark your calendar for Aging Services day, January 21, 2026.

Aging Services Day is a collaborative event put together by Kansas Health Care Association/Kansas Center for Assisted Living, LeadingAge Kansas and Kansas Adult Care Executives where Long Term Care Providers gather at the State Capitol to champion the needs of our elderly in Kansas. We will meet in the morning for education at The Beacon then go to the Capitol for a full afternoon of legislative advocacy on issues that are crucial to the LTC Profession with our Kansas Legislators. It’s a powerful opportunity to allow your voice to be heard and influence positive change for LTC providers and the population we care for. Be part of the movement for better aging services. READ MORE

This event is sponsored by: