Navigating In-Home Service Options: Resources Beyond Private Pay in Kansas

Libby Hastings • June 12, 2024

When it comes to finding the right in-home services for yourself or a loved one, navigating the myriad of options can be daunting. Fortunately, in Kansas, there are comprehensive resources available that extend beyond private pay companies, ensuring that individuals of all ages, abilities, and income levels can access the support they need. Here’s a closer look at some of these invaluable resources.


The Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)


The Kansas Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) serves as a one-stop shop for individuals seeking long-term service and support. Whether you are an older adult, a person with a disability, or a caregiver, the ADRC offers objective information and personalized counseling to help you make informed decisions about your care options.


Operated by the eleven Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) across the state, the ADRC provides:


  • Coverage Across Kansas: No matter where you live in Kansas, ADRC ensures you have access to a wide array of support options tailored to your individual preferences, strengths, and values.
  • Statewide Call Center: Reach out to knowledgeable staff for information, referrals, and assistance with community services via the statewide call center at 855-200-2372.
  • Functional Assessments: The ADRC conducts assessments to determine eligibility for Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) programs and nursing facility placements.


Senior Care Act Program


The Kansas Legislature established the Senior Care Act program to support older Kansans who can live in the community with some assistance. This program is designed for residents aged 60 or older who have functional limitations in self-care and independent living. Services vary by county but typically include:


  • Attendant care
  • Respite care
  • Homemaker support
  • Chore services
  • Adult daycare


Participants contribute to the cost of services based on their ability to pay. The program is administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) through the AAAs.


Older Americans Act (OAA) Programs


Enacted by Congress in 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) addresses the lack of social services for older adults in the community. The OAA offers:


  • Legal assistance
  • Caregiver support
  • In-home services
  • Transportation
  • Nutrition programs


These services are typically free or available on a contribution basis. Like the Senior Care Act, the OAA programs are administered by KDADS through the AAAs.


Medicare and Medicaid In-Home Services


If you are under a physician’s care and require home health care services, Medicare or Medicaid might cover these services for short-term needs, provided there is an established care plan. Coverage requires using a home health agency certified for Medicare and Medicaid services. Additional financial support may come from:


  • Private insurance
  • Medicare supplements
  • Long-term care insurance


Many home health agencies also offer private pay options for those needing additional or non-covered services.


Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Programs


For those needing more extensive support, the HCBS programs may be an option. To participate, you must:


  • Be approved for Medicaid (KanCare)
  • Meet the functional eligibility criteria


The initial assessment is carried out by the AAAs, such as the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging for residents in Douglas County. HCBS programs are coordinated by Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) under KanCare, and care plans might include:


  • Adult Day Care
  • Personal Care Services
  • Personal Emergency Response
  • Home Telehealth
  • Medication Reminders
  • Enhanced Care Services, and more


The HCBS Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver is aimed at adults aged 65+ who meet the criteria for nursing home placement, are Medicaid eligible, and require assistance with activities of daily living.

Advocacy in Action (May 2025): Statewide Senior Resource Directory Secured in FY 2026 Budget!

By Lenette Hamm • May 1, 2025
Thanks to the dedicated advocacy of KABC and our coalition partners, Kansas has taken a major step forward in improving access to long-term care information. We’re thrilled to share that the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget includes $190,000 in dedicated funding for the creation of a comprehensive statewide senior resource directory , a direct result of our persistent efforts to ensure older adults and their families can navigate care options with confidence and clarity. Language in the approved budget bill reads: “That expenditures in an amount of not less than $190,000 shall be made by the above agency from such account during fiscal year 2026 to create a comprehensive statewide resource directory to provide essential information on long-term care options: And provided further, That such directory shall be accessible in an up-to-date online version as well as in a printable version.” This is a huge win for older Kansans, caregivers, and care professionals , and it builds directly on the success of local efforts like the Douglas County Senior Resource Directory . We know that when people have access to clear, trustworthy information, they are better equipped to make decisions that support dignity, independence, and well-being in aging. We are proud that our voice, and YOURS, was heard. From providing testimony, to meeting with legislators, to amplifying the call for this essential resource, this achievement belongs to all of us who believe that quality care begins with access to information. Next Steps: We’ll be working closely with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to support the development of this directory and ensure it meets the needs of Kansans statewide, both in print and online. T hank you for standing with us. This is advocacy in action and together, we’re making a difference.

Understanding the Special Focus Facility Program

By Libby Hastings • April 21, 2025
Understanding the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program: What Families Need to Know When Choosing a Nursing Home in Kansas When searching for a nursing home for a loved one, families often look for a place that will offer safe, reliable, and compassionate care. One important—but often overlooked—resource that can help inform that decision is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program , managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). What Is the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program? The SFF Program was created by CMS to address the most persistent quality problems in nursing homes across the country. Every nursing home that accepts Medicare or Medicaid is regularly inspected to ensure it meets health and safety standards. Most nursing homes will have a few issues identified during these inspections—typically six to seven deficiencies on average—but some facilities consistently fall far below acceptable standards. These nursing homes: Have twice as many deficiencies as the average facility, Have more serious issues , including those that cause actual harm to residents, And show a long-term pattern of poor performance over a span of about three years. Facilities like these may fix issues temporarily, but often fail to address the root causes—resulting in a harmful cycle of repeated violations. That’s where the SFF program comes in. How the SFF Program Works CMS uses inspection data to score nursing homes based on both the number and severity of their deficiencies. Facilities with the highest scores (i.e., the most and most serious problems) are added to a list of SFF candidates . Each state is allowed only a limited number of active SFFs at a time—currently, only 88 facilities nationwide can be enrolled in the program. However, CMS maintains a much longer list of SFF candidates that also meet the criteria but haven't yet been selected for the program due to space limits. Once a facility is chosen as an active SFF: It is inspected every six months instead of the usual once a year. It may face progressive enforcement , such as financial penalties or losing eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid. It must show real, lasting improvements to graduate from the program. A facility "graduates" from the SFF program only after it has two consecutive inspections (after being named an SFF) with no more than 12 relatively minor deficiencies and none at a higher severity level. If a facility continues to have serious violations, CMS may consider terminating its participation in Medicare and/or Medicaid. Why This Matters to Kansas Familie s Being informed about a nursing home’s history can help protect your loved ones. Facilities in the SFF program—or on the candidate list—have serious quality concerns. While some may be working hard to improve, others may continue to struggle with systemic issues that put residents at risk. As of March 2025, the following nursing homes in Kansas are included in the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program: Excel Healthcare and Rehab Topeka (recently closed) Access Mental Health (Peabody) The following facilities in Kansas are currently on the SFF candidate list : Clearwater Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Good Samaritan Society- Liberal Kearny County Hospital Long-Term Care Unit Legacy at College Hill (Wichita) Legacy on 10th Avenue (Topeka) Medicalodges Jackson County Medicalodges Post Acute Care Center (Kansas City) Meridian Rehabilitation and Health Care Center (Wichita) Riverbend Post Acute Rehabilitation (Kansas City) Tanglewood Nursing and Rehabilitation (Topeka) The following facilities graduated from the SFF program: Advena Living of Cherryvale Life Care Center of Osawatomie Anew Healthcare Oxford is a facility that is no longer participating in the Medicare and Medicaid Program. We encourage families to take time to research and ask questions when considering a nursing home. You can access the full national SFF and candidate list on the CMS website here . KABC offers free unbiased Consumer Information Reports on all licensed adult care facilities in Kansas, helping you make an informed choice when deciding between long-term care options. Final Thoughts The Special Focus Facility Program exists to push underperforming nursing homes to do better—but it’s also a signal to the public. When selecting long-term care, knowing whether a facility is on this list can be an important part of making the best choice for your loved one. If you have questions about how to find quality nursing home care in Kansas or want help understanding a facility’s inspection history, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.