The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded the funds as an Early Innovator Grant, which is intended to create an HIE. Gov. Sam Brownback said part of the reason for returning the money is to maintain the state’s flexibility by not being tied to the grant’s requirements. The rejection also reflects the governor’s general opposition to healthcare reform legislation.
Kansas’ rejection follows Oklahoma’s return of its $54.6 million grant, bringing the total amount of returned early innovator grants to nearly $90 million.
As part of healthcare reform, states are required to submit plans for their HIEs by Jan. 1, 2013, or HHS will create the exchanges for them.
Read the Reuters report on Kansas’ rejection of federal funds.
Related Articles on Healthcare Reform Opposition:
Florida Shuns Federal Grants to Show Disapproval of Healthcare Reform
Supreme Court Asked to Hear First Healthcare Reform Challenge
Oklahoma Governor Turns Down $54M From HHS for Insurance Exchange
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