TOPEKA — Advocates for Kansas’ elderly are warning that a projected budget shortfall jeopardizes in-home services that help keep older residents from being sent to nursing homes prematurely.
Dan Goodman, executive director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care, testified before House and Senate committees of the Kansas Legislature this session. Goodman told both that a projected budget shortfall of $31 million in fiscal year 2027 — which begins on July 1 of this year — would create a waitlist for in-home services.
“A waitlist is expected and the early projection is that 600 older Kansans will be affected,” Goodman said. “History suggests that projection is low. In 2003, a similar FE (Frail Elderly) waitlist affected 20% of eligible participants. Applying that same ratio today puts as many as 1,700 frail elders at risk.”
The Frail Elderly waiver program is part of Medicaid, known as KanCare in Kansas. It provides people 65 and older with personal care, meal support, health services and more, with the goal of allowing them to live in their homes.
According to a July 2025 state report, there were 8,530 people being served by the Frail Elderly waiver program at that time and no wait list. The program was appropriated $237.7 million in fiscal 2026, with $91.2 million of that coming from the state’s general fund, according to the report.
The program’s budget has more than doubled since 2021, with supporters calling it a good investment.
“Historically, community-based care costs about one-third of nursing facility care,” Goodman testified. “Last session, the Legislature added $200 million to the nursing facility base. By comparison, preventing a waiver waitlist is a modest, practical investment that protects choice and reduces long-term costs.”
Members of Kansas’ Silver Haired Legislature have also been lobbying the Legislature in favor of home- and community-based services and other issues, including the legalization of medical cannabis, property tax relief, Medicaid, the SNAP food assistance program, senior transportation and voting access. In late January, KSHL delegates visited all 165 legislative offices to share the organization’s priorities.
Chuck Schmidt, a Sedgwick County resident and KSHL Speaker Pro Tem, said Medicaid, SNAP and community-based services are “essential as Kansas’ senior population grows. These programs help older adults stay healthier, more independent, and engaged in their communities.”
Asked if KSHL seemed to making progress, Schmidt said, “To be blunt, no, not really. We just can’t get the Legislature to realize these are issues that a majority of Kansans support.”
