More Kansans could soon have access to affordable health care

TOPEKA (KSNT) — A health care program here in Kansas could soon see increased eligibility.

During a legislative committee meeting on Monday, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment revealed, they are hoping to expand the eligibility for the state's Charitable Healthcare Provider Program.

This program allows care providers to offer free and discounted services to low-income Kansans. However, to qualify for this program, you must be considered "medically indigent."

Kansans who earn two times more than the federal poverty level currently qualify as being "medically indigent," however KDHE is hoping to increase eligibility to those who earn three times more than the poverty level. As a result, it's estimated that about 90,000 Kansans would have access to the Charitable Healthcare Provider Program.

However, lawmakers are concerned about the cost this would have on the state.

We spoke with Representative Barb Wasinger, who tells us the new regulation would increase the number of patients, and would increase tort claim coverage, which the state would have to pay for.

"My biggest concern was that they didn't show any kind of economic impact, because there would be an economic impact," said Wasinger.

Additionally, she stated that not enough people and agencies have voiced support over this amendment.

"Apparently, there's one person that came to them and asked them to do this. I think you need more than one person to say that you want to increase it," said Wasinger.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment plans on holding a public hearing on Dec. 1st, to hear from members of the public about the proposed change.

For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.