KHCA/KCAL Update 7/2/25

July 2, 2025

This message contains confidential information and is intended only for KHCA/KCAL membership. Dissemination, distribution or copying the contents of this email beyond this group is strictly prohibited.

The Latest News

In observance of the U.S. federal holiday Independence Day, we will not publish on Friday, July 4th. Service will resume on Monday, July 7th. We wish our members a safe and happy holiday.

A Message from KDHE: Reconsideration Period Policy Talking Points

We had a significant policy change go into effect July 1, 2025 to ensure KDHE compliance with CMS. Our KDHE Communications team created this talking document for you to review. We highly recommend that you review the document.

To provide some clarity, reviews are mailed 2 months prior to the due dates. The due dates are always the 15th of the month; however, timely reviews are those that are received by KDHE (KanCare) by the last day of the review due month.

If a review is submitted after the systematic denial but before the last day of the review month, please reach out to your direct KDHE Unit. If a signed review was submitted by the last day of the review due month, the coverage can be reinstated while waiting for the review to be processed. Reminder: Refrain from using the document upload portal to submit reviews. They can be faxed, mailed, or the consumer can complete them through the self-service portal.

Reviews submitted after the last day of the month but within the 3-month reconsideration period are considered untimely and will be processed as an application. A request for prior medical is recommended if coverage has been terminated and there is a gap between the month the review form was submitted late and the month coverage ended.

This policy can be found here: 638866036948709121

KDADS Launched Statewide Home- and Community-Based Services Assessing Organization with Maximus on June 30, 2025

KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) can provide services for Kansans with different conditions and needs through the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver program. This program allows the state to waive certain Medicaid program requirements and provide services for Kansans in their community instead of an institution, such as a nursing home. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) oversees the HCBS Waiver program and Aging services such as PACE.

Beginning June 30, 2025, strategic government support services company, Maximus, partnered with KDADS to provide a comprehensive assessing organization to complete assessments for several of the HCBS Waiver programs and PACE. READ MORE

Reconciliation Update: Senate Passes Amended Budget Bill

The Senate yesterday passed the Reconciliation bill. None of the accepted amendments impact long term care, and the bill now returns to the House for consideration. READ MORE

2025 Staff Recognition Program: Now is the time to nominate your staff and volunteers!

This is your opportunity to recognize the outstanding staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves to caring for the elders of our great state. Our annual awards ceremony is just one way we celebrate the compassion, commitment, and excellence they bring to their work every day. We deeply appreciate the time you take out of your busy schedule to submit a nomination—your effort helps shine a light on those who truly make a difference.

Winners will be honored at our Annual Convention and Trade Show on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, August 13th (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION

KHCA/KCAL District 1 Round Table

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 10:30AM - 12:30PM in Shawnee, KS

KHCA/KCAL Board Members would like to invite you to the KHCA/KCAL District 1 Round Table hosted by Suzie Sexton, Brett Pu, Jeremy Whitt, Miles Nease, Fred Pitzel and KHCA/KCAL President and CEO Linda MowBray. (See image for counties included in this district.) We will discuss hot topics in your area and answer any questions that you might have. Come join us for some heavy appetizers and refreshments. Also, if you attend you can sign up to win one of the $50 gift cards or a $100 gift card. Bring your business cards!

We welcome your discussion topics. Please email your suggestions to Teresa Keating.

Location:

Johnson County Library – Monticello

22435 W. 66^th St.

Shawnee, KS 66226

You do not have to be a KHCA/KCAL Member to attend and there is no cost.

RSVP:

If you plan to attend this meeting, please RSVP to the KHCA/KCAL office by emailing Teresa Keating (tkeating@khca.org). Please indicate your name, community and a phone number.

Call for Letters of Interest for KHCA Open Board Positions

We are currently accepting applications for two open board positions:

District IV Vice President- Representing Smith, Jewell, Republic, Washington, Marshall, Osborne, Mitchell, Cloud, Clay, Riley, Pottawatomie, Lincoln, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, Ellsworth, Saline, Morris, Rice, McPherson, Marion and Chase County

Government Affairs Vice President – Focusing on legislation and regulations that would be favorable to the residents and providers of long-term health care.

If you are passionate about contributing to the Associations leadership and growth, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, you will need to submit:

Letter of interest
Letter of recommendation from a colleague
Resume

Your letter of interest should include:

Your Name and Contact Information
The Board Position You Are Applying For
Why You Are Interested in Serving on the Board
Your Vision and Goals for the Role

Please submit your letter to khca@khca.org by end of business day on July 7, 2025. Letters of interest will be reviewed by current KHCA board members and appointment will be made at the July 11^th board meeting.

Webinar: Processes for Completion of a State Reportable

July 9, 2025 - 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM

This 50 minute webinar facilitated by Linda Farrar, RN, LNHA provides an in-depth exploration of the investigative process for identifying and addressing Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) in nursing homes. Participants will learn how to recognize signs of ANE, conduct thorough investigations, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. The session will also cover best practices for interviewing residents and staff, collecting evidence, and documenting findings to support accountability and resident safety.

Click here for more details.

Upcoming Education