Legislative Update

Libby Hastings • February 16, 2026

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Kansas Advocates for Better Care has been actively engaged in the Kansas legislative session, providing testimony and monitoring policies that affect older adults, caregivers, and long-term care services across the state.

Opposing a Frail Elderly Waiver Waitlist

KABC provided oral testimony to both the House Social Services Budget Committee and the Senate Ways and Means Subcommittee opposing a proposed waitlist for the Frail Elderly (FE) waiver. We requested $31 million in additional funding to fully fund the waiver. While significant, this request remains modest compared to the roughly $200 million increase to the nursing facility base approved last session. We will continue tracking budget developments, including additional funding proposals affecting the nursing facility industry.

Supported Decision Making (HB 2609)

KABC submitted written-only testimony supporting HB 2609, which would legally recognize Supported Decision Making (SDM) as an alternative to guardianship.
Unlike guardianship, SDM allows adults with disabilities to make their own decisions with help from trusted supporters, preserving independence and dignity. The bill would:

  • Define roles and establish formal agreements
  • Provide legal protections for supporters
  • Create safeguards against abuse
  • Potentially reduce court involvement and costs

This approach could help courts focus on cases where guardianship is truly necessary while offering Kansans a less restrictive option.

Memory Care Standards (HB 2370)

KABC also provided oral testimony supporting HB 2370, which seeks to establish standards for assisted living communities marketing “Memory Care” or “Dementia Care.” The bill aims to improve resident safety, strengthen care quality, and ensure transparency for families seeking dementia services while preventing misleading marketing.

The hearing included supportive testimony from the Alzheimer’s Association and the Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman, while industry representatives expressed opposition. The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services testified as neutral and requested seven full-time staff positions to help implement and oversee the proposal.

Dementia Training for Guardians (HB 2536)

Finally, KABC submitted written testimony supporting HB 2536, which would strengthen dementia-specific training requirements for guardians. Currently, such training is not required through the Kansas Guardianship Program, despite the complex needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Under this bill, the Alzheimer’s Association would provide high-quality dementia training at no cost, removing financial barriers while equipping guardians with essential skills, including:

  • Understanding dementia-related behaviors
  • Communicating compassionately with individuals experiencing cognitive impairment
  • Recognizing signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation

 

We will continue to keep you updated as the legislative session continues. Thank you for your continued support as we advocate for older Kansans! 

Unique brick floor at KABC's office

Impact Report 2025

By Libby Hastings • January 30, 2026
In 2025, KABC marked a major milestone: 50 years of advocating for the safety, dignity, and rights of older Kansans. Our newly released 2025 Impact Report reflects a year of meaningful progress, powerful advocacy, and deep community connection. This past year, KABC assisted hundreds of residents and families through direct advocacy, strengthened long-term care oversight through legislative work, and expanded access to information with the launch of a statewide senior resource directory in partnership with KDADS. We also amplified resident voices through media coverage, testified before legislative committees, and successfully countered efforts that would have weakened long-term care safety standards. As part of our 50th anniversary, we brought advocacy into the community with new events like Revving Up Joy, a classic car show connecting residents and neighbors, and a public screening of No Country for Old People , sparking critical conversations about the realities of long-term care in America. None of this work is possible without the support of our donors, partners, board members, and volunteers. Your commitment fuels our mission and helps ensure older Kansans are seen, heard, and protected. Read our full 2025 Impact Report here .
Dan Goodman, KABC Executive Director, testifies remotely.

Highlights from January KanCare Oversight Committee

By Libby Hastings • January 29, 2026
Updates from the January 23rd Bob Bethell Joint Committee.