IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2007

For Information Contact
Sherriene Jones-Sontag 785/296-2302
Rachelle Colombo 785/296-5843
Rep. Jeff Colyer, M.D. 785/296-7667

Topeka - Kansas lawmakers approved the conference committee report on House Substitute for Senate Bill 11 today. The bill will enact the Foundations of Health Reform Act of 2007.

"This legislation represents the most important health care reform in Kansas in a generation," Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) said. "Much of the legislation is based on KanCare, a plan put together by the House Republican Health Care Task Force. This reform will improve our state’s health care system and insure all Kansans receive the best care available, no matter what their financial status."

The Foundations of Health Reform Act of 2007 includes:

• Begins Medicaid reform that includes long-term care alternatives, health opportunity accounts and giving Medicaid recipients choices of private insurance through tax credits, vouchers and premium assistance.

• Establishes Safety Net Clinic Capital Loan Guarantee Act to strengthen and expand Safety Net Clinics that offer low-cost and free health care to uninsured Kansans.

• Creates the Small Employer Cafeteria Plan Development Program to encourage and expand the use of pre-tax dollars to pay for health care by small businesses

• Encourages association and small business health insurance plans through grants and no-interest loans.

• Establishes an Inspector General to monitor Medicaid programs for waste, fraud and abuse.

House Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) established the House Republican Health Care Task Force. He noted the passage of SB 11 ensures individuals have the opportunity to receive private insurance coverage whether they have Medicaid, are in between jobs or work for a small business.

"Republicans promised to tackle the problems ailing our state health care system. Thanks to the work of the Health Task force and the House of Representatives, good health is more accessible and affordable for more Kansans," Merrick said. "Long overdue health care reform has finally arrived for Kansas families and business owners."

Rep. Jeff Colyer, M.D. (R-Overland Park) who chaired the task force emphasized that SB 11 is more than just a study on how to improve our state’s health care system.

"This legislation will set the tone and direction of health care policy in Kansas for generations to come in a responsible and market-oriented manner," Rep. Colyer said. "This bill specifically provides for lower costs for private commercial insurance. It starts to reform the state’s Medicaid program into an efficient, market-driven program. It also begins moving uninsured Kansans from government programs

to more stable, private insurance coverage while strengthening and expanding the safety net clinics. As I’ve said before, this is real health care reform for Kansans right now."

Other Task Force Members included: Rep. Peggy Mast, Vice-Chair; Rep. Bob Bethell, Rep. Terrie Huntington, Rep. Mike Kiegerl, Rep. Jeff King, Rep. Brenda Landwehr, Rep. Ray Merrick, Rep. Melvin Neufeld, Rep. Mike O’Neal, Rep. Clark Shultz, Rep. Kenny Wilk, and Rep. Kevin Yoder.

Several health organizations including the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System applauded lawmakers for their dedication to reform the state’s health care system.

"The legislature took necessary steps this session to educate itself about emerging health reform models for a state like Kansas. Investing this time for study will allow Kansas to engage in smart, bold reform that results in greater access to health care. It is encouraging to have leaders in the House dedicated to improving the health of all Kansans,’ Cynthia Smith, Advocacy Counsel for Sisters of Charity said. "Anyone who heard the stories of children affected by undetected newborn disorders is relieved that the legislature has committed to enhanced screening of newborns. We are also hopeful about action to allow clinics to receive prescription drugs that go unused in nursing homes. These new laws WILL save lives."

SB 11 also gives new authority to the Secretary of Health and Environment for the use of confidential data in the cancer registry and establishes the Umbilical Cord Donation Information Act. It also amends statutes that govern the practice of physical therapy; relate to the newborn screening program; and creates new requirements in the Pharmacy Act.

House Substitute for SB 11 now goes to the governor for her consideration.

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