Navigating Change Together: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Kansas Families

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At SENT, we believe that every change—no matter how challenging—creates an opportunity to deepen our relationships and support one another. This year’s passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings sweeping changes to Medicaid (KanCare) and SNAP (food assistance) in Kansas. These changes will affect thousands of our neighbors, particularly children, seniors, people with disabilities, low-income workers, and rural families.

We also recognize that our leaders face a difficult balance between fiscal responsibility and the social health and well-being of our communities. These are competing values, and navigating them requires creativity, innovation, and collaboration. From our nation’s founding—and from SENT’s beginnings—we have been called to find ways to meet the diverse needs of our neighbors while holding space for many perspectives.

This moment challenges us to continue that work.

What You Should Know — Kansas (Medicaid, SNAP & Social Services)

Medicaid (KanCare)

  • Kansas is set to lose $3.9–$4.05 billion in Medicaid support over 10 years, with $2.65 billion impacting hospitals.
  • About 13,000 Kansans—including children, seniors, and people with disabilities—could lose Medicaid coverage.
  • Starting in 2027, most adults aged 19–64 must complete 80 hours/month of work, school, or community service to remain eligible (exemptions apply).
  • Eligibility checks will move from once a year to every 6 months, increasing administrative hurdles.
  • People with incomes between 100–138% of the poverty level may be charged copays of up to $35 per service.
  • Retroactive coverage will shrink from 3 months to 60 days (some groups: 30 days) in 2027, raising the risk of medical debt.
  • Provider taxes are restricted, and payments will be capped at 110% of Medicare rates.
  • Rural hospitals face significant risk, with cuts equal to about 21¢ of every Medicaid dollar they receive; over 60 rural hospitals could close.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

  • Kansas will take on $15–62 million/year in cost-sharing by FY2028, depending on program error rates.
  • Stricter work reporting will apply to able-bodied adults, including parents of children over age 14, increasing the risk of lost benefits.
  • Some analyses warn SNAP could become unsustainable in Kansas if cost burdens persist.

Broader Impacts

  • Nationally, the Congressional Budget Office estimates 10–11 million people will lose health insurance by 2034.
  • The national deficit is projected to rise by $2.4–$3.3 trillion.
  • Shortened retroactive Medicaid rules could create thousands in medical debt for seniors, especially nursing-home applicants.
  • Rural communities face economic downturns, health care layoffs, and job losses due to Medicaid cuts.

What You Should Do

To protect your benefits:

  • Save proof of work or exemptions, and respond quickly to renewal notices.
  • Apply within 60 days of hospital stays or crises to preserve retroactive Medicaid coverage.
  • Watch for new copay notices and request hardship waivers if needed.
  • Track all SNAP correspondence, especially regarding work-reporting or error notices.
  • Submit accurate work hours for SNAP and keep records.
  • Prepare for potential rural hospital closures by identifying alternate care providers now.
  • Monitor the availability of home- or community-based services and gender-affirming care, which may be reduced.
  • Seek early help with appeals or paperwork from legal aid, Medicaid navigators, or disability/aging agencies.

FAQ: The OBBBA & What It Means for You

  • Will I still have Medicaid? Possibly—but work rules, more frequent renewals, new copays, and shortened coverage windows may increase the risk of losing coverage.
  • Does Medicare change? No direct cuts to Medicare—but Medicaid-funded services and supplemental assistance may be reduced.
  • Will SNAP benefits change? Yes—expect new cost-sharing, stricter work reporting, and possible eligibility loss if error rates remain high.
  • Could services for seniors or people with disabilities be cut? Yes—optional services like home and community supports may be among the first reduced.
  • How can I avoid losing coverage? Keep documentation, respond quickly to notices, apply promptly in emergencies, and verify work-reporting forms.
  • What if I can’t work due to illness or caregiving? Exemptions exist, but they must be reported and documented during eligibility checks.
  • Where can I get help? SENT is here to walk beside you. These changes are not just complicated—they can be overwhelming and even traumatic. That’s why our support is both practical and relational. Here’s how we can help:
      • SNAP Applications – SENT offers mRelief, an easy electronic tool to screen for SNAP eligibility. You can apply on your own, or one of our Neighbor Advocates will call and complete the process with you.
      • Mental Health Services – Navigating new rules and risks can be stressful. SENT provides counseling and group programs to help individuals and families manage anxiety and uncertainty with dignity.
      • Southside Wellness Clinic – A low-cost healthcare option offering express care, preventive services, and holistic supports.
      • We also connect neighbors to Amiee Health, a virtual primary care service with 3 months free when you sign up through SENT.
      • Substance Use Disorder Services – If stress or instability increases the temptation to relapse, SENT’s SUD department offers treatment and recovery support for teens and adults.
      • Neighbor Advocacy – For help navigating paperwork, finding alternate resources, or making a plan, our advocates walk beside you every step of the way.

How This Will Affect People Directly in Kansas

  • Working Parents will face new work reporting, risk losing exemptions, and may have to pay copays up to $35.
  • Older Kansans/Seniors in Nursing Homes may see their retroactive coverage window cut in half, leaving them at risk for thousands in bills.
  • People with Disabilities will need to re-certify eligibility every 6 months and may lose access to optional services.
  • Rural Kansans may lose nearby hospital access, forcing them to drive 60–120 miles for emergency care.
  • Low-Income & Gig Workers will face irregular reporting requirements that may cause coverage lapses.
  • Children and Teens on SNAP may lose food assistance if parents miss paperwork or work-reporting deadlines.

Additional Resources Through SENT and Our Partners

At SENT, we are committed to walking beside our neighbors through these changes. Alongside our Neighbor Advocacy, Southside Wellness Clinic, and Southside Filling Station, here are specific resources we connect people to:

Our Perspective

This law increases paperwork, rules, and the risk of losing essential support. But at SENT, we will not let complexity or change weaken our commitment to community health. We will continue to walk beside our neighbors, helping them navigate these systems, connecting them to resources, and advocating for creative solutions that meet our shared values.

Change is never easy, but together, we can ensure that no neighbor faces these challenges alone.

RESOURCE:

https://senttopeka.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Big-beautiful-bill-breakdown-1.pdf

 

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