December 30, 2024

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The Latest News

In observance of the U.S. federal New Year's Day holiday, we will not publish on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. We wish our members a safe and happy holiday.

Managed Care Organization Contract Implementation


As we approach the Jan. 1, 2025 implementation of the new KanCare managed care contracts, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would like to provide some helpful information for our members, providers and stakeholders.


The contracts are on track to go live on Jan. 1, 2025. There will be no interruptions in access to services for our members, or in claims payment and the provision of services to members for our providers.


You can find a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document containing answers to questions about the MCO contract implementation on the KanCare website for members and providers.


Members who have questions or concerns can call their managed care organization using the information on the KanCare website: https://www.kancare.ks.gov/apply-now/health-plans.


If provider concerns arise, please reach out to the appropriate MCO contacts first. Information on contacting MCOs is located on the KanCare website: https://www.kancare.ks.gov/providers/become-a-provider.


Thank you for your dedication to serving Kansas Medicaid members. We look forward to your continued partnership in the implementation of the KanCare MCO contracts.


Lauren Evans, MA

Medicaid External Affairs Director

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

1000 SW Jackson, Ste 540

Cell phone: (785) 207.8503

Office phone: (785) 296.3426

lauren.evans@ks.gov

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar


All of the changes regarding CMS Regulatory Guidance are overwhelming. Cynthia Pendleton, RN/BSN/LNHA has provided a wonderful tool for your Infection Preventionist to use related to the new changes. These changes take place January 1, 2025, so no time to waste. READ MORE

Upcoming iQIES Service Center Hold Times February Deadline Reminder


Due to the Payroll Based Journal quarterly deadline, the iQIES Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between January 2, 2025, and February 14, 2025. READ MORE

Upcoming Education Offering with Interim Healthcare Topeka: Long-term Care Medicaid and Division of Assets


This will be on ZOOM or in-person on January 9th at 12L00PM

Emily Donaldson, CELA with Stevens and Brand L.L.P.

Will speak on: Long-term Care Medicaid and Division of Assets.

This will be 1.0 CEU.


Link for ZOOM:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtc-CuqTkpHtel6Z7VwY2RgQ87uaoBEqsm


In-person RSVP to:  ajpatterson@interimhealthcare.com

Free Education Opportunities through the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities


Click here for more info.

Call for presentations


An essential service to our association is offering high quality training and education to our members. We invite you to join us in our commitment to delivering timely, relevant, and engaging information as we prepare for our 2025 Education Calendar.


We are looking for topics that fit skilled nursing, assisted living, home plus and residential health care communities.


Click here to learn more on our needs and how you can submit a proposal.

In Case You Missed It

Quality Care Assessment (QCA, or Bed Tax) Payments


A Message from Sheri Jurad, KDADS Director of NF/ACH Programs


Attention Kansas Nursing Facilities:


Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is thrilled to announce a new, more convenient option to make Quality Care Assessment (QCA, or Bed Tax) payments. Electronic payments are now available through the State Treasurer’s Office Collection Remittance System (CRS).


Starting in 2025, KDADS will begin rolling out access to nursing facilities to easily initiate payments online; streamlining transactions with a secure and efficient process.


In the coming months, Kansas nursing facility administrators will receive an email notice with more details on how to get started. Our goal is to enroll approximately 100 providers per month starting January 2025.


*Continue making QCA payments as usual, until User access has been approved in the CRS.


We look forward to working with you in 2025.

"Tapestry of Life" Announced as Theme for 2025 National Skilled Nursing Care Week® 


National observance to take place May 11–17, 2025


The American Health Care Association (AHCA) is pleased to announce "Tapestry of Life" as the theme for next year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week® (NSNCW), which will kick off on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.


About the Theme



"Tapestry of Life" highlights the meaningful stories that make up each person’s journey in skilled nursing care. From residents and families to caregivers and other staff, everyone adds a unique thread that is woven into this vibrant tapestry. This theme celebrates the connections, resilience and strength that unite us all. READ MORE

Education Spotlight

Adult Care Home Operator Course


February 12-25, 2025



This hybrid course is designed to provide you with everything necessary to prep you to become a Registered Adult Care Home Operator in the State of Kansas. The class is based on the principles of assisted living as outlined in the KDADS regulation manual and is taught by a variety of presenters that are currently working in the field. The course will be facilitated by Joan Hudson, KCAL Clinical Consultant and Polly Berkley, VP of Operations and Education for KHCA/KCAL. This course provides knowledge and insight on the rules, regulations and responsibilities governing the operation of a state licensed only adult care home. The course fee includes a minimum of 45 hours of instruction, electronic program handout materials (to print if you wish) and a printed Operators manual. LEARN MORE

Upcoming Education

Free Webinar - Preparing for Upcoming CMS Guidance Changes starting February 24, 2025: Key Updates and Action Items for Compliance


On Demand


Click here for more details.

Webinar: F689 - Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices


1/14/25 - 1:30PM-2:30PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: LTC Provider Lawsuit Primer


1/21/25 - 1:30PM-2:30PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Survey Trends in Assisted Living


1/23/25 - 1:00PM-2:15PM


Click here for more details.

Adult Care Home Operator Course - February 2025


2/12/25 - 2/25/25


Click here for more details.

Life Safety Code Boot Camp


2/26/25 - 2/27/25


Click here for more details.

Administrator in Training (AIT) Program

Looking for an AIT Program? Click here for more details on KHCA's Program.

Questions? Email Teresa Keating at tkeating@khca.org
Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living
1100 SW Gage Blvd. | PO Box 4770 | Topeka, KS 66604
PH: 785-267-6003 FAX: 785-267-0833