The number of Kansans waiting for disability waivers has significantly decreased after legislative measures were implemented during the 2024 session. The Kansas Reflector reports that some individuals waited over a decade for waivers that provide essential Medicaid services. Lawmakers capped the number of people on the intellectual and physical disability waiver waitlists, resulting in a reduction of about 1,900 individuals by October 10, bringing the total to approximately 4,500 for intellectual disabilities and over 1,000 for physical disabilities.
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services partnered with the University of Kansas Center on Disabilities to enhance capacity and assess needs on the waitlists. Although the waiting lists had worsened before improving, the legislative changes included a $17.8 million investment to assist 1,000 individuals.
Potential solutions discussed included ensuring minimal health support for those on the lists and maintaining communication with them. A Disability Rights Center representative suggested that Kansas could eliminate these waitlists within four years if current efforts continue, emphasizing the need for an effective tracking system for individuals requiring immediate care.