Kansas governor approves budget including extension of postpartum coverage

TOPEKA — Gov. Laura Kelly signed Wednesday a $16 billion state budget backed by most lawmakers from both parties, including an extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage, a fully funded water plan and rainy day money.

The budget for 2022 and 2023 places $500 million in the state’s budget stabilization fund. This record deposit leaves the fund five times higher than ever before, providing a cushion should revenue falter. In addition, the budget fully funds the state water plan for the first time since 2008.

A notable inclusion is the extension of postpartum Medicaid coverage from 60 days to 12 months, which advocates hope will reduce pregnancy-related complications. More than 30% of Kansas births are covered by KanCare.

“We commend Gov. Kelly and the Kansas Legislature for extending postpartum KanCare coverage to 12 months,” said David Jordan, president and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “This will positively impact 9,000 Kansas mothers each year — reducing maternal mortality, improving health outcomes, and reducing disparities.”

Read more: https://kansasreflector.com/2022/04/20/kansas-governor-approves-budget-including-extension-of-postpartum-coverage/