Kansas ranks first overall due to strong performance across nearly every major scoring category, including its decision not to expand Medicaid, strong redetermination performance, MCO presence, strong private coverage retention, low improper payments, and existing APCD infrastructure. The state also benefits from no active CON laws, independent NP practice authority, and IMLC participation. Kansas’s main weaknesses are no early work requirement activity and high per-enrollee cost growth.
Strengths
No Medicaid expansion
Strong redetermination performance, MCO presence, and private-to-Medicaid coverage ratio
Low improper payment rate and strong MFCU enforcement activity
No active CON laws and independent NP practice authority
Weaknesses
No early work requirement activity
High per-enrollee cost growth
Reduced PA scope of practice
Moderate primary care provider supply relative to top-performing states
