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National Council on Disability Studies KS Policies

Gary Blumenthal speaking with a reporter during a break in the meetings. (Photo by Stephen Koranda) 

A federal board that studies disability issues has been meeting in Topeka. The National Council on Disability advises Congress and the president on matters affecting Americans with disabilities. Gary Blumenthal is a member of the council and a former Kansas legislator. He says the group chose to meet in Kansas because of policies affecting people with disabilities, like the state’s overhauled Medicaid program now managed by private companies.


Blumenthal says board members will be reviewing information and issuing recommendations on the Kansas policies for Congress and other states.

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(VERSION TWO)

A federal agency that studies disability issues has met in Topeka to look at Kansas policies. The National Council on Disability advises Congress, the president and other government agencies on matters affecting Americans with disabilities. KPR’s Stephen Koranda reports.


(SCRIPT)

The group looked into a law aimed at helping disabled Kansans enter the workforce and the state’s overhauled Medicaid program. KanCare, as it’s known, is managed by private companies. The council heard from critics and supporters of KanCare. Gary Blumenthal is a council member and a former Kansas legislator. He says the council and other states are watching KanCare because it’s a major change.

“Are there cautionary notes we should be aware of, or are there lessons to be learned that might be effective for other states. I think our prime concern is to understand how KanCare will impact people with disabilities,” says Blumenthal.

Blumenthal says the council will be reviewing the information gathered during the meetings and issuing recommendations.

 

Stephen Koranda is KPR's Statehouse reporter.