Advocacy with KABC 101: Your Guide to Making an Impact

Libby Hastings • February 10, 2025

The Kansas legislative session is in full swing, making it the perfect time to engage with your lawmakers and advocate for policies that improve long-term care in our state. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just getting started, knowing how to effectively communicate with legislators is key to making a difference.


We believe that every voice matters, and lawmakers want to hear from the people they represent. To find your legislator, visit the Kansas legislative website. When you visit www.kslegislature.org, there is an option on the left side of the website to “Find Your Legislator”. You may search by name, chamber, party, or select “Seach by Your Address”. This will lead you to Plural, a platform to find bill information and your local legislators by typing in your home address.


Tips for Effective Advocacy


Be Friendly – Legislators are people too! Approach them with sincerity and honesty. While time may be limited, be sure to focus on the issue you're there to champion.


Be Prepared – This is your chance to educate. Start with a clear, concise explanation of the issue, and provide only factual information.


Be Respectful – Not everyone will agree with your position. Some lawmakers may have concerns about costs, feasibility, or other factors. Treat them with respect, as they may be allies on future issues.


Be Direct – Answer questions openly and honestly. Share the full picture, including both the challenges and the solutions.


Ask for a Specific Action – Make it clear what you want your legislator to do. Common advocacy actions include:

  • Sponsoring a bill
  • Urging committee leadership to take action on a bill
  • Speaking for or against a bill during debate
  • Holding a public event to raise awareness
  • Writing a letter to state agencies about oversight and implementation of a law


Establish a Relationship – Don't just reach out when you need something. Contact your legislators regularly, thank them when they support your issues, and stay engaged. Building a relationship increases the likelihood they will listen when you advocate for change.


Say Thanks – Gratitude goes a long way! Always follow up with a thank-you note or email after a meeting, even if the legislator disagrees with your position.


Advocacy is about persistence, education, and relationship-building. By using these strategies, you can help ensure that long-term care remains a priority for Kansas lawmakers.


Want to learn more? Check out KABC’s full Advocacy 101 guide here. 


Dan Goodman testifies before legislative committee

KABC Testifies Before Bethell Committee

By Libby Hastings • October 16, 2025
On Monday, October 13th, Dan Goodman, Executive Director of Kansas Advocates for Better Care (KABC), delivered testimony before the Robert G. Bethell Joint Committee on Home & Community Based Services & KanCare Oversight. His remarks focused on the urgent need to strengthen Kansas’ long-term care system through sustainable funding and workforce investments. Goodman urged legislators to provide additional funding for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Frail Elderly waiver , noting projected shortfalls of $27 million in FY26 and $70 million in FY27. Without intervention, hundreds of older Kansans could face placement on a waitlist as early as this fall—delaying access to critical in-home services and increasing the risk of premature institutionalization. He also highlighted the need to support and stabilize the state’s long-term care workforce by exploring innovative approaches used in other states. For example, New Mexico’s Competitive Pay for Professionals program has helped attract and retain workers by linking higher wages to improved reimbursement rates and accountability measures. Goodman suggested Kansas consider similar models to strengthen its caregiving workforce and ensure providers can offer competitive pay. KABC remains committed to advocating for policies that promote quality care, protect older adults, and sustain a strong, well-supported caregiving system across Kansas. Read KABC’s full testimony here: View Testimony (PDF) Watch a full recording of the committee here: YouTube Link

Legislative Update: Nursing Home Oversight in Kansas

By Libby Hastings • October 6, 2025
On October 1st and 2nd, the 2025 Special Committee on Health and Social Services met, with the first day devoted to nursing home surveying and credentialing. The joint committee of both House and Senate members heard from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, industry representatives from Kansas and out of state, administrators, and contractors. Notably absent were the voices of consumers, their family members, and facility staff , the people most affected by long-term care policy. The committee heard information about: Survey Backlogs and Staffing Challenges KDADS contracts with the federal government to inspect adult care homes for health and safety compliance. KDADS has struggled for years to meet federal requirements, due in large part to recruiting and retaining nurse surveyor positions. More than half of the 60 approved positions were vacant earlier this year. As a result, Kansas currently averages 19.9 months between nursing home inspections , far beyond the federal requirement of 12-15.9 months. With just over 300 federally licensed facilities in the state, timely inspections are critical to protecting residents. To address this, KDADS eliminated 15 vacant positions and raised starting pay: up to $60,000 for multidisciplinary surveyors and $67,000 for RNs . The agency is also considering incentives to encourage more RNs to work as surveyors. Kansas has one of the highest rates of the most serious deficiencies, known as Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) deficiencies, in the nation , citations for situations where resident health and safety are at serious risk. The committee explored the possibility of privatizing the survey process. Resident Rights at Risk Testimony also revealed troubling practices in some nursing homes, including charging residents $200–$300 per month in “pharmacy provider” or “medication set-up” fees if they choose to use an outside pharmacy. This practice undermines residents’ right to choose their own providers and unfairly penalizes private-pay residents, already shouldering an average of $7,000–$8,000 per month in nursing home costs. Involuntary Discharges and the Ombudsman’s Recommendation The Long-Term Care Ombudsman urged lawmakers to expand discharge reporting requirements. As she noted: “Federal regulations require a notice to be sent to our office for a facility-initiated transfer (involuntary discharge) in federally licensed nursing homes, but that is not the case for state licensed homes, assisted livings, home pluses and residential health care facilities. With the help of our office, we can often help resolve the reason for the discharge notice to prevent a resident transfer or support the resident to ensure a transition occurs safely.” The committee heard concerns from representatives of the nursing home industry and decided to delay making a recommendation on this issue, noting that additional information is needed. KABC has advocated for not only strengthening the reporting requirements but also giving residents of assisted living facilities the same right to appeal an involuntary discharge that nursing home residents enjoy. Raising the Personal Needs Allowance The Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents is a monthly stipend that Medicaid recipients can use for personal expenses. In Kansas, the PNA is just $62 per month. Many residents express concern that this amount is insufficient to cover basic personal expenses such as haircuts or undergarments. An immediate increase to the allowance is needed, along with an ongoing adjustment to keep pace with rising costs. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman recommended a PNA increase to the national average of $72 with an additional annual Cost of Living Adjustment. KABC’s Position KABC will continue to advocate for: • Strong oversight of nursing homes. • Resident rights protections, including freedom of choice in providers. • Central inclusion of residents and staff voices in all policy discussions. You can watch the hearing on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel here . KABC will continue to monitor these conversations closely as the 2026 legislative session approaches.