Access to quality healthcare is a cornerstone of well-being, and health insurance plays a vital role in ensuring that Kansans can receive the care they need without facing crippling medical bills. the Kansas Health Institute diligently tracks insurance coverage trends throughout the year, providing valuable insights to inform discussions about healthcare options in Kansas and nationwide.
This infographic offers a snapshot of insurance coverage for the 2,898,978 residents of Kansas in 2023.
Key Findings:
Nearly 1.8 million Kansans relied on private insurance for their healthcare needs. This includes:
- 1.5 million individuals covered through employment-based plans
- 62,330 individuals covered by military or TRICARE insurance
- 188,852 individuals who purchased insurance directly, with 122,871 obtaining coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.
Public insurance programs provided coverage for another 885,787 Kansans, encompassing:
- 342,989 individuals enrolled in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Programme (CHIP)
- 73,239 individuals covered by both Medicare and Medicaid
- 462,109 individuals covered by Medicare
- 7,450 individuals receiving care through Veterans affairs (VA) health programs
Unfortunately, 239,807 kansans remained uninsured in 2023. This included:
- 196,446 nonelderly adults
- 38,534 children
“Medicare beneficiaries, nonetheless of their Medicaid enrollment status, have the option to choose between Original Medicare (also known as Traditional Medicare) and Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C),” the report states. “According to Medicare Advantage monthly enrollment data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, 182,228 Kansas Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans as of December 2023.”
Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved plan offered by private insurance companies, providing an alternative to Original Medicare. Various types of Medicare Advantage Plans are available, including health maintenance institution (HMO) plans, HMO point-of-service plans, preferred provider organization (local and regional) plans, private fee-for-service plans, special needs plans, and medical savings account plans.
The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on healthcare coverage continued to be felt in 2023. Federal and state policies implemented during the pandemic expanded access to health insurance, allowing Medicaid and CHIP enrollees to maintain coverage without the need for redetermination throughout the public health emergency. This continuous enrollment period ended on March 31, 2023.
As part of the unwinding process, states were required to resume and complete the redetermination process.Kansas initiated its review period in April 2023 and concluded the unwinding process by May 31, 2024. Because some Kansans who lost coverage during the unwinding process were still enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP when 2023 coverage data were collected, the full impact of the unwinding will not be apparent until 2024 data become available.
Similarly, policies expanding subsidy eligibility for marketplace health insurance plans influenced coverage in 2023. Households remained eligible for subsidies that were expanded to include higher-income households under the American rescue Plan Act of 2021 as part of the pandemic response.These expansions were extended by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.
Households with income exceeding 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) were previously ineligible for subsidies but may now qualify for marketplace subsidies through 2025, contingent on premium costs and household income.
“Two-thirds (166,337 or 69.4 percent) of uninsured Kansans in 2023 had household income that may have qualified them for subsidies to purchase health insurance on the Kansas marketplace,” the report reveals. “Among those who would have qualified, 134,561 (80.9 percent) would have qualified for subsidies to reduce monthly premiums under the original terms of the ACA and 31,776 (19.1 percent) may have newly qualified for subsidies under IRA.”
as of December 2024, Kansas remains one of 10 states that have not implemented expanded Medicaid coverage to adults with household income up to 138 percent FPL, as permitted by the ACA. In 2023, Medicaid expansion would have covered individual adults with annual household income up to $20,120 and adults in a four-person family with annual household income up to $41,400.
If Kansas had expanded its Medicaid program in 2023, 58,448 uninsured Kansas adults would have become newly eligible for coverage. Additionally, 28,472 uninsured Kansas adults and children were likely already eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but were not enrolled.
## Navigating Healthcare Coverage in Kansas: An Expert Q&A
**World Today News:** Access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and health insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring Kansans can receive the care they need without facing financial hardship. The Kansas Health Institute (KHI) released a extensive report on healthcare coverage in kansas for 2023, shedding light on insurance trends and the challenges facing the state. Today, we’re joined by [**Insert Expert Name and Title**] from KHI to delve deeper into the findings of this important report.
**Welcome, [Expert Name]. The report paints a complex picture of insurance coverage in Kansas. Could you elaborate on some of the key findings?**
**[Expert Name]:** Certainly. The 2023 data shows that nearly 1.8 million Kansans rely on private insurance, including employer-sponsored plans, military insurance, and individual plans purchased through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. This represents a significant portion of the population, but we also see a considerable number of individuals covered by public programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare.
**That’s a large number relying on public insurance. What does that tell us about the state of healthcare access in Kansas?**
**[Expert name]:** It highlights the importance of thes safety net programs in ensuring access to care for vulnerable populations. However, it’s important to remember that eligibility criteria can be stringent, leaving some individuals without coverage.
The report also notes that over 239,000 Kansans remain uninsured. What are some of the factors contributing to this?
**[Expert Name]:** Several factors contribute to the uninsured rate, including affordability, gaps in coverage for certain populations, and a lack of awareness about available options. The report underscores the need for ongoing efforts to expand coverage and address these barriers.
**The report also discusses Medicare Advantage enrollment. Can you explain what this program is and why it’s relevant to Kansans?**
**[Expert Name]:** Medicare Advantage offers an option to Original Medicare,providing coverage through private insurance companies. The report reveals that over 182,000 Kansas Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in these plans. This highlights the importance of understanding the different Medicare options available and choosing the plan that best fits individual needs.
**What are some of the key takeaways from this report for policymakers and healthcare stakeholders in Kansas?**
**[Expert Name]:** The data underscores the importance of continued efforts to expand access to affordable health coverage, strengthen safety net programs, and promote consumer understanding of healthcare options. It calls for a collaborative approach involving policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address the challenges and ensure that all Kansans have access to the quality care they deserve.
**Thank you for sharing your insights, [Expert Name]. This report provides a valuable resource for understanding the landscape of healthcare coverage in Kansas and informs the ongoing conversation about ensuring access to quality care for all.**
