In a letter to CMS, the Kansas Hospital Association urged the federal agency to prevent Gov. Sam Brownback from implementing $56.4 million in Medicaid cuts, set to take effect Friday, reports Wichita Public Radio.
The Medicaid program cuts include a 4 percent reduction in provider reimbursements. KHA has asked CMS to immediately intervene to stop the cuts, which it says will negatively impact patient access and hospitals that serve largely Medicaid-dependent communities.
"The state of Kansas advances no justification for the payment reduction beyond its budget shortfall," said Tom Bell, KHA president and CEO, in the letter obtained by WPR. "CMS cannot approve a state plan amendment solely driven by budgetary concerns."
CMS officials did not immediately respond to WPR's request for comment.