All Roll Calls
Yes: 323 • No: 0
KansasSB 2712025–2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET
Updating income eligibility requirements for the state children's health insurance program and requiring the Robert G. (Bob) Bethell joint committee on home and community based services and KanCare oversight hold meetings each quarter.
Sponsored By: Rick Billinger (Republican)
Signed by Governor
health and human servicespublic health and welfare
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Higher income limits and steadier kids coverage
The law raises CHIP income limits. In 2009, kids qualify up to 225% of the 2008 poverty guideline. In 2010 and later years, the limit is 250% of the 2008 guideline. Pregnant Kansas children can get coverage when pregnancy is verified under federal rules. Kids can get temporary coverage while eligibility is checked. Once approved, a child stays eligible for 12 months.
Sliding premiums and loss if unpaid
Families must pay part of the monthly premium on a sliding scale set by the state. If you do not pay the required premium, your child loses eligibility and coverage. If you pay all late premiums during the year, coverage returns for the rest of the 12-month period or at renewal.
8-month wait after other coverage
If your income is over 200% of poverty and your child had full individual or job-based coverage, there is an 8-month wait to join. The wait does not apply if you lost coverage for reasons you did not choose, like job loss, COBRA ending, or an employer dropping dependent coverage for everyone. Charity plans, the Caring Program for Children, and the Kansas Health Insurance Association plan do not count as prior insurance under this rule.
Medicaid-style approvals and mental health access
The plan uses the same prior-authorization rules as Medicaid. When the state buys managed mental health care, it must cover a full range of children’s mental health services and let community mental health centers compete for contracts.
Quarterly KanCare oversight and data sharing
The oversight committee meets at least once in January and once in April during session, and at least once each quarter. It holds two straight meeting days in the third and fourth quarters. Meetings are limited to six a year unless urgent needs arise. Any state agency must give the committee KanCare data on quality, payments, enrollment, provider networks, and ombudsman cases. The act also repeals K.S.A. 38-2001 and 39-7,160.
Proof of citizenship or lawful status
To qualify, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen or be lawfully admitted. You must show documents accepted under Social Security rules. Tribal enrollment documents are accepted.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Rick Billinger
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 39 Nay: 0
Yes: 39 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 125 Nay: 0
Yes: 125 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 119 Nay: 0
Yes: 119 • No: 0
Senate vote • 4/23/2026
Yea: 40 Nay: 0
Yes: 40 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Enrolled and presented to Governor on Friday, April 3, 2026
4/9/2026SenateApproved by Governor on Thursday, April 9, 2026
4/9/2026SenateConference Committee Report was adopted; Yea: 39 Nay: 0
3/27/2026SenateConference committee report now available
3/26/2026HouseConference Committee Report was adopted; Yea: 125 Nay: 0
3/26/2026HouseNonconcurred with amendments; Conference Committee requested; appointed Senator Gossage , Senator Clifford and Senator Holscher as conferees
3/23/2026SenateMotion to accede adopted; Representative Carpenter, W., Representative Bryce and Representative Ruiz, S. appointed as conferees
3/23/2026HouseFinal Action - Passed as amended; Yea: 119 Nay: 0
3/12/2026HouseCommittee of the Whole - Committee Report be adopted
3/11/2026HouseCommittee of the Whole - Be passed as amended
3/11/2026HouseCommittee Report recommending bill be passed as amended by Committee on Health and Human Services
3/4/2026HouseHearing: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 1:30 PM Room 112-N
3/3/2026HouseReceived and Introduced
2/24/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Health and Human Services
2/24/2026HouseCommittee of the Whole - Committee Report be adopted
2/18/2026SenateCommittee of the Whole - Motion to Amend - Offered by Senator Titus
2/18/2026SenateCommittee of the Whole - Amendment by Senator Titus was adopted
2/18/2026SenateCommittee of the Whole - Be passed as further amended
2/18/2026SenateEmergency Final Action - Passed as amended; Yea: 40 Nay: 0
2/18/2026SenateCommittee Report recommending bill be passed as amended by Committee on Public Health and Welfare
2/17/2026SenateHearing: Thursday, February 5, 2026, 8:30 AM Room 142-S
2/5/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Public Health and Welfare
2/18/2025SenateIntroduced
2/17/2025Senate
Bill Text
As Amended by House Committee
As Amended by Senate Committee
As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole
As introduced
Enrolled
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