Advocacy
Power of Community
Advocacy in Action: Watch the 2026 Recording
Thank you to everyone who participated in InterHab Advocacy Day 2026! If you couldn’t join us, or want to watch again, you can access the full recording HERE to catch important updates and advocacy efforts supporting Kansans with IDD.
A huge shoutout and thank you to the JCDS team for producing the recording!
As we head into summer, we have launched a new Advocacy Alert asking providers, staff, families, board members, and supporters to send a quick thank you message to their Kansas legislators for supporting IDD services this session.
The recently approved 6% provider rate increase taking effect July 1 is a meaningful step forward for our system and an important reminder that advocacy truly makes a difference.
This outreach is not about lobbying for a specific bill. Instead, it is an opportunity to strengthen relationships with legislators, thank them for their support, and help them better understand the realities providers, staff, individuals, and families are experiencing across Kansas.
We are encouraging people to:
• Send a short thank you message
• Share a personal example or local impact story
• Invite legislators to visit local programs this summer or fall
Please take a few minutes to participate and share this broadly within your organization and networks.
Advocacy Alert: https://interhab.org/advocacy-
There is an amendment in Senate Sub for HB 2731 (SB 363) that would require the state to apply for continuous Medicaid eligibility for Kansans with IDD. This would mean Kansans with IDD would not need to re-apply annually for Medicaid.
Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed the bill, and there will be an attempt to override that veto today.
We strongly support this policy. Continuous eligibility helps prevent unnecessary disruptions in coverage for individuals with lifelong disabilities and reduces administrative burden for families and providers.
This has been a sensitive and closely watched issue, with strong opinions on both sides, but today’s vote is critical.
We need you to act now.
Please contact your legislators today and ask them to support the override.
Find your legislators here:
https://pluralpolicy.com/find-
Governor Laura Kelly has officially signed the state budget bill, and we are pleased to share that key investments for the IDD system remain fully intact.
The final budget includes:
- 6% rate increase for IDD waiver services in FY 2027 ($16 million SGF)
- 4% rate increase for IDD waiver services in FY 2028 ($10 million SGF)
- $750,000 in State General Fund support for CDDO administration
These increases represent important progress toward stabilizing a provider network that has been under sustained pressure and will help begin rebuilding capacity, supporting the workforce, and maintaining continuity of care for Kansans with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The inclusion of dedicated CDDO funding also recognizes the essential role CDDOs play in ensuring access to services, coordinating care, and supporting individuals and families across the state.
While more work remains to fully address long-term funding needs, this is a meaningful step forward. We are grateful for your strong advocacy and the relationships you have built, alongside the support of legislative leaders and the Governor in advancing these priorities.
We will continue working to build on this momentum and advocate for the resources needed to ensure a sustainable, high-quality system of care. There is more work ahead.
The 2026 Legislative Platform has been approved by the InterHab Board of Directors and is linked here: https://interhab.org/advocacy/
- Friday, March 28th, 2026: First Adjournment
- March 29th – April 9th, 2026: No Session
- Veto session is anticipated to begin on April 10th, 2026
Contact Your Legislators: Thank Them & Keep the Momentum for 2026
Your outreach right now helps lay the groundwork for continued progress on IDD system modernization, provider capacity, and sustainable service funding. When you share even a brief personal message or story, it resonates with your legislators. We’ve seen this advocacy move decisions before, and your voice continues to truly matter.
Use the form to send a message to your legislators thanking them for their support during the 2025 session, and encouraging continued collaboration as we move into 2026. Personal messages from parents, guardians, individuals, friends, and providers make a true difference in our advocacy efforts!
Please include a personal message or story in the box provided. Thank you!
Key Points You’re Reinforcing:
- Appreciation for provider rate increases and progress on the IDD wait list in 2026.
- Value of ongoing collaboration with KDADS and stakeholders during system modernization.
- The need for continued partnership and investment to address workforce and capacity challenges.
- Commitment to ensuring Kansans with IDD can live, work, and thrive in their home communities.
Contact our Johnson County and Miami County Legislators Today.
RESOURCES:
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
Reach out to your legislators asking them to protect Medicaid funding. https://www.ancor.org/amplifier/
State Legislators: State of Kansas
Johnson & Miami Counties
Senator Adam Thomas | Olathe, KS
785.296.7358 Adam.Thomas@senate.ks.gov
Representative Lauren Bohi | Olathe KS
785.296.7658 Lauren.Bohi@house.ks.gov
Senator Caryn Tyson | Paola, KS
785.296.6838 Caryn.tyson@senate.ks.gov
Representative Samantha Poetter Parshall | Paola KS
785.296.7748 Samantha.Poetter@house.ks.gov
Use the email tool below to send a message to our Kansas Legislators.
Remember to include a personal message or story before you send!