TOPEKA — Kansas officials plan to reduce funding to providers of residential psychiatric care for children in a move expected to save about $350,000 from the state general fund.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services’ announcement comes after Gov. Sam Brownback cut Medicaid reimbursement rates by 4 percent in May to help balance the budget.
Residential psychiatric facilities receive payments each day a child is in their care. They’re also paid on days the child is out of the facility, but a bed must still be reserved.
Plans call for reducing payment on reserve days by 40 percent. The change is scheduled to start in March.
Children’s Alliance of Kansas director Christie Appelhanz says fewer children will be able to receive services under the change.
