A lot has happened since the last newsletter. The biggest news was the reauthorization of funding for the CHIP program. The political journey of this popular bipartisan program's reauthorization, which began over 6 months ago, is a perfect example of the current problems with Congress. Despite almost universal support of CHIP and assurances from congressional members that it would be easily reauthorized it went almost 5 months without funding. It was placed on the back-burner as other more "important" issues became priorities. It was used as a bargaining chip for controversial problems. It was quite frankly abused. Congress should hold its head in shame for the worry it inflicted on the families of 9 million children in this country. Congress should apologize to state governments for the added administrative time and expenses they incurred as a result of the delay in reauthorization. Congress should get its act together. And this all happened because Congress played politics. But in the long run a better result could not have  been anticipated.

 

After all of the politics funding for CHIP was finally extended as part of a Continuing Resolution, which passed at the end of January.  The reauthorization was given for 6 years, which was remarkable since most of the recent reauthorizations had only been for 2 years. If Congress had extended funding to 10 years though it would actually save the federal government money according to the most recent Congressional Budget Office Report. There had been some talk of increasing funding to 10 years at a latter date but it seemed unlikely in view of the previous difficulties. But you can never predict how things will go with this Congress. On the verge of another shutdown both chambers passed a budget deal and extending funding of CHIP for a total of 10 years was part of this. Unbelievable.    

 

The AAP played no small part in the passage of this important legislation. Pediatricians called their Congressional representatives, wrote OP-eds and letters to the editors, gave interviews on television and the radio, and took to social media. Many of you were part of these efforts and I want to thank you for all did. The AAP is over 60,000 strong and I think this showed what a force we can be when get involved.

 

Which brings me to the first annual Advocacy Day the KAAP held at the Capitol on February 6th. Due to weather attendance was small but it was a successful initial effort. We heard from a number of speakers including chairs and ranking members of the health committees in both chambers. We heard from experts on such issues as Medicaid expansion and KanCare. And attendees were encouraged to meet with their own legislators. This is an example of the benefits the Chapter provides members and I hope that it will lead to pediatricians in the state being more of a political force.

 

Finally I want to make members aware of the current state of KanCare. As many of you heard the newest version, KanCare 2.0, was been put on hold by previous Governor Brownback and current Governor Colyer. This was after legislators and advocates expressed concerns that the problems exposed in KanCare 1.0 have not been adequately resolved and demanded that these be fixed before any changes be made.  But the state did not withdraw the 1115 waiver sent to CMS. This means that the changes that were in KanCare 2.0 are still being evaluated by CMS. These include work requirements and 36 month caps to some enrollees. So is KanCare 2.0 really on hold or not? Despite the statements from the Governors I would assume it is still moving forward and I would advise any Chapter members that have concerns about how the current program is being run and/or the requested changes in KanCare 2.0 to notify Governor Colyer's  office and their state legislators.