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Minutes for HB2824 - Committee on Insurance
Short Title
Mandating insurance coverage for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS).
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 20, 2024
The Chair opened the hearing on HB2824. Assistant Revisor Wiese gave an overview of the bill and stood for questions. (Attachment 2) Representative Oropeza noted there was limited data from the pilot program, only one year of data collected. Other conversation included
- problems getting the correct diagnosis,
- possible number of undiagnosed children in Kansas,
- estimates on treatment costs,
- ramifications of going untreated,
- the number of incidents where coverage has been mandated, and
- steps to be taken before coverage may be mandated, a question for Research, and
- the lack of data to support treatment effectiveness
Private Citizen Mason Lough gave proponent testimony. After many doctors, Mason was correctly diagnosed at the age of 15. Mason noted awareness of PANS and PANDAS is better now, and symptoms can be more manageable. (Attachment 3)
Tara Richardson gave proponent testimony, outlined the evolution of awareness for pans and pandas, and addressed the testing and procedural complexity of getting to a correct diagnosis.(Attachment 4)(Attachment 5)
Micaela Widman, a proponent of HB2824 summarized the Segal Report, the Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission Report on Insurance Coverage for PANS and PANDAS. (Attachment 6)
Naturally, the Executive Director of Kansas Employees for Affordable Healthcare, Andrew, Wiens, was opposed the the passing of HB2824. (Attachment 7)
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2824.
The Chair closed the meeting at 5:15.
