Kansas Health Institute

01/22/2026

, meet Chef Steve Smith from Smith County Memorial Hospital, where food truly IS medicine. His patient-centered meals, home meal delivery program and community-focused hospital restaurant are transforming rural health — one plate at a time.

🎧 Listen now: khi.org/podcast

01/21/2026

The 2026 legislative session began Monday, Jan. 12, and is expected to move quickly, with First Adjournment scheduled for March 27, and the Veto Session beginning April 9. This edition of Health at the Capitol reviews health-related policy issues considered by the Kansas Legislature during the week of Jan. 12.
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https://www.khi.org/articles/week-1-of-the-2026-session
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This edition of Health at the Capitol looks at health-related policy issues addressed by the Kansas Legislature the week of Jan. 12, 2026.

01/21/2026

🍽️ Lunch plans? We’ve got you covered.
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The Kansas Health Institute invites you to Bring It, a virtual lunchtime learning series exploring timely health policy topics that may shape discussions during the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session.
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Each session is a one-hour, data-informed experience featuring expert presentations, panels and time for questions. Just bring your lunch, your curiosity and your questions!
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📅 Tuesdays | Noon–1 p.m. CST | Virtual
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2026 Bring It Learning Series Lineup:
🔹 Feb. 10 – Federal Rural Health Funding in Kansas
🔹 Feb. 17 – Health Insurance Marketplace Changes in 2026
🔹 Feb. 24 – Understanding OBBBA (H.R. 1) and Impacts on Medicaid & CHIP
🔹 March 3 – How to Host a Hunger Free Kansas Data Walk
🔹 March 10 – Bring It Finale: Turning Health Policy Insights into Action
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✨ Bite-sized learning. Big policy insights. 👉 Register here: https://www.khi.org/view-all-events/
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01/19/2026

KHI's offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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This day celebrates Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights and equality and, as the only federal holiday designated by Congress as a National Day of Service, encourages participation in community service to honor his legacy.

01/16/2026

🏛️ Federal health policy update: What we’re watching, Jan. 16
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🔹 The Trump administration restored federal grants for mental health and substance use services cut on Tuesday, Jan. 13.
🔹 U.S. senators are negotiating an extension of enhanced premium tax credits.
🔹 The federal government announced updates to nutrition policy.
🔹 Rural Health Transformation Program funding was awarded.
🔹 Changes were made to childhood vaccine recommendations.
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📰 Stay informed: https://www.khi.org/articles/update-what-were-watching-jan-16-2026/
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This regular update covers the latest updates on federal health policy news and how it might impact Kansas.

01/15/2026

Several changes are shaping the Kansas Health Insurance Marketplace for 2026 — from the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits to new federal policies and legal challenges. With higher premiums expected, KHI breaks down plan options, costs, financial assistance and what it all means as open enrollment ends.
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https://www.khi.org/articles/2026-affordable-care-act-health-insurance-marketplace/
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Learn about 2026 plan options on the Kansas health insurance marketplace, insurance costs, financial assistance, and factors that may influence enrollment

01/13/2026

✨ Thank you for joining us!
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We held our annual Open House on Sunday, Jan. 11, welcoming legislators, community partners and organizational leaders for an evening of connection and conversation. The event provided an opportunity to share more about KHI’s work, exchange ideas and strengthen relationships.
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We are grateful to everyone who took time to join us and to engage in meaningful discussions. We look forward to continued collaboration and partnership throughout 2026 as we work together to inform policy and improve health across Kansas.
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01/12/2026

🏛️ Thank you, Kansas legislators!
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The Kansas Health Institute team appreciated the opportunity to visit with lawmakers at the State Capitol Building on the first day of the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session. Thanks for stopping by the KHI booth, picking out some healthy snacks and sharing about your health priorities for the session ahead.
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We’re grateful for the thoughtful questions and conversations about how KHI’s research and nonpartisan policy analysis can support your work to improve the health of all Kansans.
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We look forward to continuing these conversations and working together in the months ahead.
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Stay up to date on KHI legislative session analysis at http://www.khi.org.
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01/10/2026

🏛️ What’s on the health policy agenda for 2026?
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As lawmakers prepare for the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session, the Kansas Health Institute’s legislative team is taking a closer look at the health issues likely to shape the conversation.
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🎙️ In the latest episode of Health at the Capitol, we explore anticipated topics of interest for policymakers — including the health care workforce, access to care, and health care costs.
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Whether you follow health policy closely or want a clearer picture of what’s ahead, this episode offers timely insight into the issues that could impact Kansans statewide.
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▶️ Watch: https://youtu.be/bbgWcrU1H5c
🔊Listen: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-zcn6b-1a1396a
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01/07/2026

We appreciate the opportunity to partner on this important work. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988. 📱Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services #988

Today, KDADS is sharing a report detailing actions taken by the Kansas 988 Coordinating Council in 2025 and highlighting data on the 988 Lifeline in the state. The report to the 2025 Kansas Legislature was created by the council with support from the Kansas Health Institute.

Read more: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/75/316 #!/

01/06/2026

🎧ICYMI: Listen to the latest episode of Health on the Plains, with Chef Steve Smith! https://www.khi.org/articles/eat-well-be-well-with-chef-steve-smith-episode-16/

12/30/2025

Thirty years ago, KHI began with the belief that evidence matters, dialog makes a difference, and better health begins with informed decisions. As we close the year in which we celebrated our 30th anniversary, that belief still guides us. Looking ahead to the next 30 years, KHI remains committed to building a healthier Kansas together.