State to hold public hearings on changes to disability system

Update: The state changed its meeting location in Hays to Fort Hays State University.

The state will hold a second round of public hearings Monday regarding proposed changes to the way disabled Kansans receive services.

The state wants to offer an update on the proposed system and answer questions and concerns from disabled Kansans, their providers or their family members.

Right now, Kansans with disabilities receive medical care, residential and day services as well as other help through Medicaid, a government health insurance program funded through state and federal dollars.

People with disabilities receive services from seven Medicaid waivers, which are divided based on disability type. The state wants to combine the seven waivers into one universal waiver.

Each location will hold a meeting for providers from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and a meeting for consumers and families from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and the public is welcome at all meetings.

Here is the schedule:

▪ Hays: Monday, Fort Hays State University Memorial Union, 600 Park St.

▪ Pittsburg: Monday, Holiday Inn Express, 4011 Parkview Drive.

▪ Conference call: Friday from noon to 1:30 p.m. or Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call 866-620-7326 and enter code 527-268-5242

This story was originally published November 11, 2015 at 4:15 PM with the headline "State to hold public hearings on changes to disability system."