Update: What We’re Watching, June 4, 2026

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Update: What We're Watching, June 4, 2026

Hill to the Heartland: Federal Health Policy Briefing

Hill to the Heartland: Federal Health Policy Briefing is a product series providing regular updates on federal health policy discussions. Sign up here to receive these summaries and more, and also follow KHI on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Federal officials issued a new advisory warning about the health effects of excessive screen use among children and adolescents, while states, including Kansas, continue to plan for implementation of policies limiting cellphone use in schools. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the 2027 Payment Notice, making changes to Affordable Care Act marketplace policies.

Here is some of the health-related news we are watching that could have an impact on Kansas.

The views expressed in the following news stories, news releases or documents are not necessarily those of the Kansas Health Institute (KHI). They are being shared with the intent of keeping Kansans informed of the latest developments related to federal health policy.

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Updates

1. Screen Time for Children Warning

On May 20, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory warning that excessive screen use can negatively affect children's mental health, sleep and other health outcomes. The advisory highlights growing evidence that prolonged screen time and social media use may contribute to developmental, mental and physical health challenges and poor educational outcomes, and encourages schools, families and policymakers to take steps to reduce harmful screen use.

The federal advisory was issued as states continue to consider restrictions on cellphone use in schools. In Kansas, lawmakers approved Senate Substitute for Substitute for House Bill 2299 during the 2026 legislative session, requiring public and accredited private schools to prohibit students from using personal electronic communication devices during the school day, with limited exceptions for medical and special needs. Under the new law, on or before Sept. 1, 2026, each board of education of a school district and governing authority of an accredited nonpublic elementary or secondary school is required to submit a certification to the Kansas State Board of Education that the board or governing authority has adopted the policies and procedures required under the law.

Read more from HHS: WTAS: HHS Calls for Urgent Action to Reduce Harmful Screen Use And Protect Children Online

Read more from Advisory: U.S. Surgeon General's Warning on the Harms of Screen Use

Read more from CNN Health: New Surgeon General's Advisory Raised Alarm About Screen Time Risks for Kids and Teens

Read news release from HHS: Secretary Kennedy Celebrates Landmark Iowa MAHA Legislation, Announces First-Ever Surgeon General Warning on Excessive Screen Time

Read more from the Beacon: Cellphones, Foster Children, Literacy: Kansas Approves New Education Laws

2. 2027 Payment Notice Final Rule for Affordable Care Act Marketplace

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2027 Payment Notice Final Rule on May 15, 2026, establishing new standards for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. The rule includes expanded hardship exemptions, which allow certain individuals who qualify to enroll in catastrophic coverage when they experience a change in household income. The catastrophic plans can be offered for a term of one year or multiple consecutive years, up to 10 years. The new rule also prohibits insurers from including non-pediatric dental services as an essential health benefit, finalizes the removal of federal standardized plan requirements for insurers participating in federally facilitated marketplaces and finalizes policies that would allow certain non-network plans to be offered through the marketplace beginning in plan year 2028.

The 2027 Payment Notice final rule will be effective July 20, 2026.

Read more from HHS: HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027 Final Rule

Read the Final Rule: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program

Stay tuned for further updates on policy shifts that may affect health programs and services in Kansas. For related work on how federal policies could impact Kansans, please check out Hill to the Heartland.