For Information Contact:
Sherriene Jones-Sontag 785/296-2302
Rachelle Colombo 785/296-7662
Rep. Jeff Colyer 785/296-7667

Topeka - The Kansas House of Representatives approved House Substitute for Senate Bill 11 today, a bill that begins the process of overhauling the state’s health care system. House Members voted 117-5 in favor of the legislation.

"I am extremely pleased with the bi-partisan support for this legislation," House Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) said. "We have major issues with health care in Kansas. There is a lack of market competition, skyrocketing costs, and thousands of uninsured citizens. This legislation will start our state on the road to recovery."

House Substitute for Senate Bill 11 includes:

• Begins Medicaid reform that includes long-term care, health opportunity accounts and giving Medicaid recipients choices of private insurance

• Establishes Safety Net Clinic Capital Loan Guarantee Act

• Encourages and expands the use of pre-tax dollars to pay for health care (125 or Cafeteria Plans)

• Encourages association and small business health insurance plans

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

Much of the legislation is based on KanCare, a plan put together by the House Republican Health Care Task Force established by House Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell).

"The Health Task Force is to be commended for shaping the excellent policy and planning provided in SB 11," said Majority Leader Merrick. "I’m glad that the body has recognized the need for this comprehensive approach to health care reform and has passed legislation that will improve health for Kansans."

Rep. Jeff Colyer, MD (R-Overland Park) who chaired the task force said 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.

"This is real health care reform for Kansans right now. It will to help every Kansan in a positive way -the uninsured, the insured and those on Medicaid," said Rep. Colyer. "I want to thank my fellow lawmakers for their dedication and determination in reforming health care in our state. A lot of hard work went into this legislation, especially those who served on the House Republican Health Care Task Force as well as members serving on the various health-related House committees."

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.

House Substitute for Senate Bill 11 now goes back to the Senate for its members’ consideration.

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