The House is leading the charge to address the health care issues in our state. We are working hard to make this a bi-partisan effort by asking for and accepting input before declaring this the final solution. The special committee has even come up with a catchy title.
Some features of KanCare include: no mandates... no new taxes... Expands the private sector and shrinks government and the uninsured...long term stability and flexibility through trust fund.
There are four key components to KanCare:
Make Commercial Insurance more affordable, available and portable.
*Section 125 plans encourage consumers to use pre-tax dollars to pay for health care.
*Deregulate the industry to expand commercial market and hold down costs through competition.
*Establish private sector Insurance Exchange to facilitate transactions like pooling payments to subsidize health premiums, give choices to uninsured/Medicaid recipients, & simplify insurance processing.
Establish KanInsure to move Medicaid/uninsured patients to private market.
* Use targeted approaches to find Medicaid/uninsured stable health insurance. Examples:
- Vouchers/tax credits to help Kansans between jobs to keep their insurance
- Seed money for plans targeting small communities, business groups, ethnic organizations, etc.
- Vouchers/tax credits so children with Medicaid can be placed on their parent’s family plan.
Medicaid Reform- establish MediKan to preserve and stabilize safety net.
* Based on National Governors Association Plan and Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.
* Expands choices of doctors and health plans including specially-designed plans for diabetes care, children, seniors, etc.
* Establishes Health Opportunity Account for co-pays, glasses, weight loss programs, etc.
* Kansas Health Policy Authority & federal government work to stop waste and fraud; help seniors with home care; wellness initiatives; and other waivers.
Strengthen Charity Care to assist fewer uninsured.
* Create incentives for providers to give more free and low-cost care.
* lower the number of uninsured.
We expect to have additional initiatives as we work with others to implement KanCare and strengthen our state’s health care system.
I have been serving on the House Select Committee on the State Employee Pay Plan for the past 6 weeks and today we released our pay proposal for the Fiscal Year 2008 that includes salary increases and a one-time salary enhancement (bonus) for state employees.
We have a pay system that has been in place since the 1960s and that is not in tune with today’s job market. This recommendation is a start to address inequities in the current plan. Staying with the governors budget recommendation of $43million we propose to provide:
1. 1% base adjustment for all employees,
2. one time $1,450 bonus paid in two installments for all classified employees who earn a satisfactory or better performance rating,
3. $150 for every employee to start a deferred compensation plan that must be matched dollar for dollar by the employee.
4. 5% base salary increase for those job classes that are 25% or more behind the average market pay.
This proposal will go to the full appropriations committee for further consideration and then must pass the Senate before getting the governor’s signature.
As you know I was in El Dorado on Monday the 12th at the invitation of the City Commission to discuss a meeting in Topeka I attended with some constituents from El Dorado and the Secretary of Transportation. One topic of the meeting had to do with the replacement of the bridge on West 9th across the West Branch of the Walnut River. Some on the commission were concerned that I would have a meeting and not invite the commission or mayor.
For the lack of a phone call from the mayor and Commissioner Fagg I had to miss a day of the Legislative Session to appear before the city commission. Although I had explained the meeting individually with Commissioners Pershall, Reynolds, and Clark, I was invited to appear because the mayor said the issue was going to be discussed whether I was there or not. I explained all the topics that were discussed with KDOT, and after this revelation the governing body seemed relieved I was not trying to usurp their authority and cut funding.
As I see my responsibility as your State Representative, when possible; I should help with access to State Agencies and offer that service to all constituents. For a copy of my written comments go to my website, www.johngrange.net, or contact me and I will send you a copy.
On Tuesday the following day, Commissioner’s Pershall and Reynolds were in Topeka for some meetings and briefings conducted by the Kansas League of Municipalities. We took advantage of this time to discuss the bridge issue many other items of mutual interest.
As always I want you contact me with any concerns or requests for information. I consider it an honor to serve you and thank you for that opportunity. Contact me in Topeka at the State Capitol, Room 411-S, 785-296-7655, grange@house.state.ks.us.
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