Edwin Fonner,
Jr., DrPH
Purpose. To expand the capacity of Kansas state government agencies to coordinate health policy in response to gaps in health services access and insurance coverage resulting from changes in the marketplace and federal initiatives. It is intended that a unified level of expertise in policy formulation and strategy development be provided to agencies responsible for managing health and insurance data, expanding health insurance coverage for children and adults, and integrating health care purchasing among larger public and private sector purchasers. In-depth monitoring of the Kansas health insurance markets will be conducted to establish baseline measures for managing progress.
Partnership. This proposal is submitted by the Kansas Insurance Department and endorsed by the Office of the Governor and key partner agencies. A Steering Committee comprised of state agency leaders, members of the Accountability in Health Care Purchasing workgroup, and Health Care Data Governing Board will provide input to program initiatives. Staff will work closely with governmental agencies (state and federal), state legislators, and private sector leaders in pursuit of program objectives. Technical assistance and advice will be sought through the networked resources of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to lend credibility and momentum to program initiatives. Project staff will collaborate with other Kansas partners for additional technical support.
Objectives:
1. Gather evidence, develop baseline data, and monitor trends (a) to inform key decision-makers on options for improving access and coverage for disadvantaged persons and small groups, (b) to help contain costs among large public and private employers in Kansas, and (c) to enhance uniform reporting from health plans.[Back to Main Page]2. Support the implementation of expanded health insurance for low-income uninsured children covered under the Title XXI program, along with on-going efforts to improve access to appropriate managed care services among Title XIX beneficiaries (enrolled and eligible).
3. Explore ways to better coordinate health plan performance evaluation and purchasing among the state's largest public sector and private sector organizations -- including the Kansas Health Care Commission (the state employees health plan), the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS), other public agencies, and self-funded private employers.