Key US Healthcare and Education Policy Updates Impacting Kansas in 2025

President Trump signed into law H.R. 1, which introduces new Medicaid work requirements and limits provider taxes, impacting state healthcare administration and funding. Federal officials, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, secured commitments from health insurers to reform prior authorization processes for Medicare Advantage, Medicaid managed care, and Marketplace plans, aiming to enhance provider and patient experiences. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) convened and recommended seasonal influenza vaccines excluding the preservative thimerosal. This recommendation awaits review by the HHS Secretary due to a vacancy at CDC leadership. Additionally, the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will discontinue its specialized "Press 3" option for LGBTQ+ youth, though crisis counseling remains accessible through other means. The U.S. Department of Education is currently reviewing $6.2 billion in federal K-12 education funds, including approximately $45 million for Kansas, affecting programs supporting migrant education, STEM, and out-of-school activities. These policy updates directly influence healthcare delivery, regulatory compliance, funding allocation, and program availability in Kansas and similar states. The Kansas Health Institute continues to monitor federal health policy developments relevant to state stakeholders.