Office of Kansas Insurance Commissioner

TOPEKA–Security Benefit Corporation, based in Topeka, has contributed $100,000 to a new educational initiative to attract Kansas college students to the insurance industry. The contributions were made to the Kansas Insurance Education Foundation (KIEF). KIEF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable foundation administered by the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents, Topeka.

The initiative would provide the Kansas insurance industry with a steady stream of college-educated employees who have completed certain core insurance coursework or have obtained certification through the collaborative program.

“We believe the educational initiative provides a pathway to bringing a more educated, job-ready insurance workforce to our Kansas companies, including our own,” said Barry Ward, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Security Benefit. “Security Benefit is excited about investing in education programs to accomplish this goal.”

The program’s initiative has universities and colleges working together to provide academic flexibility for students, possibly through distance learning programs. Initially the program would provide core courses for an Insurance Certificate, which would consist of 12-15 hours of college insurance-related courses available through the participating universities and colleges.

“We appreciate Security Benefit’s enthusiasm and support for the initiative,” said Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance. “Growing our insurance industry in Kansas through a collaborative effort between private industry and higher education is important for a healthy business climate.”

For more information, contact Will Larson, Attorney for the Kansas Association of Insurance Agents, (785) 232-0561; or Cindy Hermes, Director of Outreach, Kansas Insurance Department, (785) 296-7803.

About Security Benefit

Security Benefit Life Insurance Company, a 123-year-old, Kansas-based insurance company with approximately $30 billion in assets under management, is a leading retirement savings and income solutions provider. Through a combination of innovative products, exceptional investment management and a unique distribution strategy, Security Benefit is a leader in a full range of retirement markets and wealth segments. First Security Benefit Life Insurance and Annuity Company of New York (FSBL), New York, NY, is an affiliate of SBL and both are subsidiaries of Security Benefit. To learn more about Security Benefit, visit www.securitybenefit.com.

KDWPT

PRATT–If you’ve been thinking about buying a lifetime license for yourself or giving one as a special Christmas gift to a lucky young hunter or angler, buy it before the end of the year and save. The price of a lifetime hunting or fishing license will go from $440 to $500 and a lifetime combination hunt/fish license will increase from $880 to $960 on January 1, 2016.

Kansas lifetime hunting and fishing licenses are available to Kansas residents who have lived in Kansas for at least a year before making application. Domiciliary intent is required to establish that the applicant is maintaining their place of permanent abode in Kansas. Mere ownership of property is not sufficient to establish domiciliary intent. Evidence of domiciliary intent includes, but is not limited to, the location where the person votes, pays personal income taxes or obtains a driver’s license.

Depending on your age, a lifetime license is a bargain. At the current price of $880 for a lifetime hunt/fish combination license, the initial investment will pay off in less than 20 years, and that’s not accounting for future license fee increases. The holder of a lifetime hunting license is eligible to purchase resident big game and turkey permits even if they move out of the state. And the holder will never again have to worry about buying a new license after the first of the year.

The Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) Commission approved a proposal to raise fees for fishing and hunting licenses at their public meeting in Burlington on October 22, 2015. The new fees will be effective January 1, 2016.

Basic hunting and fishing license fees hadn’t increased since 2002, and the price of resident deer and turkey permits haven’t increased since 1984. Inflation has increased the cost of doing business by almost 30 percent since 2002, and the uncommitted balance of the Wildlife Fee Fund was beginning to decline. Fee increases were deemed necessary to ensure pivotal programs important to hunters and anglers could be maintained and enhanced. License and permit revenues go into the Wildlife Fee Fund to pay for wildlife and fisheries programs, which receive no State General Fund money.

KDWPT

PRATT–If you’re new to deer hunting or processing your own meat, fear not the uncharted territory. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism has an easy-to-follow, step-by-step field dressing video.

Click on the video below.

Properly cared for, venison is delicious and healthy. But there are several important steps a hunter must take in the field after the deer is down. First a hunter should tag the carcass, then cool the meat as quickly as possible. This is done by immediately field dressing, or gutting, the deer. Next, prop open the ribcage and let cool air circulate throughout the body cavity. Take extra care to keep the meat clean when moving the carcass to a place of processing.

If you plan to have the meat processed by a commercial processor, it’s a good idea to call ahead and ensure they are open and accepting deer. Many hunters process their own deer. There are many videos and resources available online to help hunters do their own butchering.

Remember, attach the carcass tag before moving the deer and field dress and cool the meat as quickly as possible. Do this and your family will enjoy many delicious meals from your Kansas deer.

For information on hunting deer in Kansas, visit ksoutdoors.com and click “Hunting,” then “Big Game.”

TOPEKA–Governor Sam Brownback issued the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day and the sacrifice of all those who have served in America’s military forces.

“Veterans Day is the one day each year solely devoted to recognizing the men and women who have served as members of the military. The service of the men and women who have served in the military is the great gift an American can give to his or her fellow citizens.

“We should honor our veterans every day of every year for their service to this nation, whether in time of peace or in time of war. Their legacy is one of courage and commitment, of bravery and sacrifice.

“Today on Veterans Day, and every day, please remember and honor those who have served bravely to preserve the liberty and freedom we enjoy. May God bless our veterans, our state and the United States of America.”

To hear the Governor’s Veterans Day message click here.

Kansas Department of Agriculture

MANHATTAN–The Kansas Department of Agriculture is a recipient of a U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant for the amount of $98,549. This award will help KDA increase consumer awareness about farmers’ markets in Kansas in an effort to boost the number of consumers who visit the markets.
In the last decade farmers’ markets have increased significantly, across the U.S. and Kansas allowing specialty crop farmers to gain more of the consumer market. There are currently 56 registered farmers’ markets in Kansas.

“Our goal is to enhance existing farmers’ markets by creating a toolkit that these groups can use to promote their markets locally and help connect consumers and producers,” said Julie Roller, agriculture marketing specialist.

The purpose of the Farmers Market Promotion Program is to increase access to locally produced agricultural products and develop new market opportunities for producers serving local markets. The grant will help enhance farmer sales at Kansas farmers’ markets by creating marketing and promotional materials, including signage. The program will also provide hand-washing stations to enable farmers’ markets to offer chef demonstrations and sampling to highlight to consumers how to use the fresh items available at the market.

KDA is committed to providing an environment that encourages economic growth of the agriculture industry and serving Kansas farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and the consumers they serve. The Farmers Market Promotion Program will help provide support and educational resources that will expand farmers’ markets across the state.

Kansas Department of Commerce

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting applications from small businesses for programs and funding designed to help grow exports. These programs, which are being offered through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grant, will help non-exporters begin exporting for the first time or existing exporters expand their export levels.

“Small businesses in our state have tremendous potential for growth through exporting,” said Kansas Commerce Interim Secretary Michael Copeland. “The programs offered by the STEP Grant will help these businesses gain experience and access the resources they need to become successful exporters. I encourage Kansas small businesses to visit Commerce’s website or to contact us to learn more about their export potential and these opportunities.”

Programs offered through the STEP Grant include export seminars and training courses; opportunities for participation in foreign trade shows and missions; and support for entering new markets. Since 2012, more than 30 small businesses in Kansas have participated in STEP grant programs and achieved $9.2 million in export sales. For the current grant year, SBA has awarded Kansas $296,533 in STEP funding. Commerce is administering the grant in tandem with the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Businesses that wish to apply for support or that are interested in learning more about programs and eligibility should visit KansasCommerce.com/STEP.

Kansas Department of Commerce

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2016 Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award, which is presented to a single Kansas business for excellence in international trade and marketing. The winner of the 28th annual installment of the award will be announced in June of 2016 during Business Appreciation Month.

Nominated companies will be evaluated on the totality of their international efforts. Qualifications include:
· Number and/or percentage increase in jobs due to international activities.
· Innovations in global marketing.
· Number of countries exported to.
· Effective use of international distributors.
· Long-range international strategies and prospects for future growth.
· Commitment to the state and local community.

“This award is an opportunity for Kansas to recognize businesses and their employees that contribute to the economic development of the state through international trade,” said Kansas Commerce Interim Secretary Michael Copeland. “It’s important for our community and business leaders to have this opportunity to acknowledge the businesses in Kansas that have achieved excellence in exporting.”

Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by other organizations or individuals. Visit KansasCommerce.com/Exporter to learn more about the Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award and to download nomination forms. Completed nominations can be emailed, mailed or faxed no later than Friday, Jan. 22, 2016, to April Chiang at:

Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council
c/o Kansas Department of Commerce, April Chiang
1000 S.W. Jackson Street, Suite 100
Topeka, KS 66612-1354
[email protected]
Phone: (785) 296-5473
Fax: (785) 296-3490
TTY (Hearing Impaired):711

Kansas Insurance Department

TOPEKA–The current signup period for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans is a time when Kansas seniors should be especially alert to potential scams, according to Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance.

“Kansans seeking Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage supplemental plans should work with trusted agents and counselors to find their best options,” Commissioner Selzer said. “Too many times unscrupulous sales people take advantage of seniors who have good intentions in shopping for their best choices.“

The open enrollment period for Part D and Medicare Advantage plans began Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, with coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2016.

Commissioner Selzer offers these tips for protecting seniors from scammers intent on taking advantage of open enrollment:

• Beware of door-to-door salespeople. Agents cannot solicit business for either Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plans at your home without an appointment. Do not let uninvited agents into your home. Also, Medicare has no official sales representatives. Beware of any salesperson who says that he/she is a Medicare representative.

• Check with us at the Kansas Insurance Department (KID) to make sure the salesperson is a licensed agent. Call 800-432-2484 to speak with a KID Consumer Assistance representative.

• Realize no marketing is allowed in educational or care settings. Federal regulations prohibit the marketing of Medicare products in places where health care is delivered, or at an educational event.

• Understand that no free lunches are allowed, either. Federal regulations prohibit offers of free meals for listening to a sales presentation for a Medicare product or for signing up for a particular plan.

• Do not give out personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers to anyone not verified as a licensed agent. Also, a bill must be sent to the beneficiary; no Internet or phone payments can be made.

• Verify that the plan chosen is an approved Medicare plan. All of the approved plans are available at www.medicare.gov under the “Finding Plans” section, or by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).

• Read and understand the plan. Be sure that the chosen plan matches the beneficiary’s needs and that the beneficiary can continue to see his or her current health care providers if desired.

“Consumers need to arm themselves with all the information they can,” Commissioner Selzer said. “Educating yourselves is very important in fighting potential fraud and illegal sales.”

Kansas Medicare beneficiaries can also contact the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) for information about Medicare issues. The state help line is 1-800-860-5260.

Kansas Department for Children and Families

TOPEKA–When you’ve taken more than 130 children into your home as foster parents, most would think they’ve done more than enough to help others. But for Dave and Stephanie Wooge of Franklin County, adopting a few of those who needed a permanent home was just the next logical step.

For the past 17 years, the Wooges have taken placements of many children with various levels of behavioral issues, developmental needs, mental health issues, educational needs, medical diagnoses, physical challenges, various cultures, and histories of abuse.

But when the opportunity presented itself to make some of those children a part of their family, the Wooges, who live in a rural home outside of Ottawa, decided it was the right thing to do. They have adopted or taken guardianship of seven children, with the last three being a sibling set.

Stephanie Wooge said she and her husband first became interested in foster care when a relative served as a foster parent to a child. Once aware of the need, they began incorporating foster children into their own home, where they also have parented two biological children.

“We realized if we don’t do it, who will?” Stephanie said. “All children deserve to have a home, to experience family life.”

The Wooge family met with Governor Sam Brownback on Oct. 30, to participate in the official proclamation signing of November 2015 as Adoption Month in Kansas. During the month, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), its contractors and community partners are taking part in a series of events to call attention to the need for more adoptive and foster families.

“It hasn’t been difficult integrating the adopted children into our family,” Stephanie said. “It’s been that way for our biological children ever since the oldest was two years old. The biggest reward is watching the kids grow and learn how to be a part of a family. But that can also be a challenge for our adopted children learning how our family works.”

DCF contracts with KVC and Saint Francis Community Services to provide foster care and adoption services for Kansas. DCF and its partners hope more families like the Wooges will recognize the need for adoptive families during November. Currently, there are approximately 350 children available for adoption in Kansas.

“Every child deserves to know the love and stability that a healthy family can offer,” DCF Secretary Phyllis Gilmore said. “When returning home is not a safe option, we want children to have choices when it comes to both temporary and permanent care.”

Most children available for adoption have experienced abuse and or neglect. Every attempt is made to maintain a child’s connection to his/her relatives, culture and community. Relatives are given first consideration as a placement option. Although many children have an adoption resource identified, hundreds wait for a loving family to pick them.

The Wooges are one of eight families nominated for the Kathy Reilly Adoptive Family Award, an annual honor given by KVC to one of their adoptive families “who has risen above and beyond with regards to adoption.” The award will be announced during KVCs National Adoption Day celebration in Olathe on Nov. 20.

I’m so glad the State is celebrating Adoption Month, because there are so many more kids in the system who need a family,” Destiny Wooge said, the oldest of the three siblings recently adopted into the Wooge family. “Hopefully by raising awareness, a lot more children will get to experience the love and affection of a family.”

Nov. 21 is National Adoption Day this year. In several locations across Kansas, judges will finalize adoptions that have been coordinated by KVC and St. Francis. As the final step of the adoption process, these events are often emotional culminations of months of effort. Celebrations at Shawnee County Courthouse (9 a.m.) and Johnson County Courthouse (10 a.m.) will be open to the public and to media. On Nov. 20, a similar celebration of adoptions will be held at Wyandotte County Courthouse (1 p.m.).

Numerous other events will occur statewide to celebrate and promote adoption. Churches across the state will recognize Adoption Sunday on Nov. 8.

Kansas Historical Society

TOPEKA–Kansans of all ages who love history will have the opportunity to celebrate their interest in several upcoming photography and essay contests.

The annual Kansas Factual Story Contest, sponsored by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas, encourages preserving factual, unpublished happenings and anecdotes from today and yesterday. The contest is open to everyone with one entry per person. Stories must be true and unpublished, take place in Kansas, and limited to 750 words. Entries are submitted electronically via email by 5 p.m. December 11, 2015, to Terry Marmet, Kansas Historical Foundation, [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>. Submissions should use “Beech Memorial Contest” in the subject line, and include the author’s name, mailing address, and phone number, and email.

Olive Ann Beech, of Wichita, provided essay contest winners with cash awards for more than 30 years. Following her death, her daughter, Mary Lynn Oliver, Wichita, has continued this support. The Beech Memorial cash awards are: first place, $175; second place, $125; third place, $100; and $50 each for two honorable mentions. Entries will be judged on quality of writing and interesting anecdotal stories of Kansas.

The annual essay contest, /Kansas! Say It Above a Whisper, /sponsored by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas, is open to Kansas students in grades eight through 12. Essays are limited to 250 words and should celebrate and express pride in the state. Entries are submitted electronically via email by 5 p.m. December 11, 2015, to Terry Marmet, Kansas Historical Foundation, [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>. Submissions should use “Boyd Essay Contest” in the subject line, and include the author’s name, school, grade, mailing address, and phone number.

Early day Kansas newspaperwoman Mamie Boyd coined the phrase used for the contest title. Her family continues to provide the cash award for the first place winner. Past essays have described interesting and strong-hearted Kansans, the state’s vast grain crops and grasslands, diversities in population, and the emotions and pride called to mind by the state’s unique beauty. Entries will be judged on quality of writing, originality, creativity, and sincerity in expressing pride in the state of Kansas.

Winners of both essay contests will be announced and recognized at the annual meeting of the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas Friday, January 29, 2016, in Topeka.

The Happy Birthday, Kansas! student photo contest is in its second year and open to Kansas students from first through 12th grade. The contest encourages students to capture images that depict everyday life in their communities. Students can submit up to five entries online, the contest deadline has been extended to December 11, 2015. Submit entries at happybirthdayks.org, where further information and contest rules are available. Winners will be announced as part of the state’s 155th birthday commemoration at the Kansas State Capitol on January 29, 2016. The 12 first place winner will receive iPads; the 12 second place winners will receive Kindles. The inaugural contest in 2014 drew more than 570 entries from 55 Kansas counties. Contest is sponsored by the Kansas legislative spouses in conjunction with the Kansas Historical Society.

The Kansas Historical Society will preserve the essays and photographs in their collections.

Office of Kansas Insurance Commissioner

TOPEKA– Kansas consumers wanting health insurance through the federally-facilitated marketplace beginning Nov. 1 continue to have choices of health insurance companies, despite the recent loss of some company options.

Companies available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) federal marketplace enrollment are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Inc., BlueCross BlueShield Kansas Solutions, Inc., Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (for consumers in Johnson and Wyandotte counties), and UnitedHealthcare of the Midwest, Inc.

Two Coventry health insurance companies will not participate in the state’s 2016 federally-facilitated marketplace, officials announced last week. They are Coventry Health and Life Insurance Co., which offers preferred provider plans; and Coventry Health Care of Kansas Inc., a health maintenance organization. Both companies are part of the corporate structure of Inc., a national health insurance organization.

Consumers wanting to look at the marketplace plan information prior to enrollment will be able to do so on a special section of the Kansas Insurance Department’s website, www.ksinsurance.org

Department statistics now show that fewer than three percent of the Kansas population of 2.9 million has insurance through marketplace enrollment.

“Coventry’s departure from the federal marketplace was a company decision, but Kansans still have a choice of other companies for the upcoming open enrollment period,” said Ken Selzer, CPA, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance. “Those who currently have Coventry health plans purchased from the online marketplace should be prepared to change companies when the open enrollment period begins Nov. 1.”

The two Coventry companies covered approximately 45,000 lives through federal marketplace plans as of Sept. 30, 2015, according to the Kansas Insurance Department (KID).

“We know that marketplace consumers will have questions of both KID and of the navigator programs in the state,” Commissioner Selzer said. “We will assist callers through our Consumer Assistance Division by answering questions they have or by referring them to the proper agencies for help. We are expecting Coventry to send notices to their customers explaining their position and providing information on their coverage now and in the future.”

The online marketplace exchange in Kansas is operated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, whose website is www.healthcare.gov.

“Kansans’ concerns about insurance are a major priority for the department, and we will assist those impacted by the Coventry decision in working through their health insurance issues,” Commissioner Selzer said.

The department’s Consumer Assistance Hotline is 800-432-2484.

KDWPT

PRATT–Two days, November 7-8, 2015, should be marked on every young hunter’s calendar. The youth pheasant and quail season allows all youth 16 and younger to hunt, under the supervision of an adult 18 or older, for pheasants and quail statewide. The daily bag limits during the youth season are 2 rooster pheasants per day and 4 quail per day. All state and federal lands normally open to public hunting are open, and all Walk-in Hunting Access lands are open. Hunting pressure is generally light, ensuring high-quality and productive hunting opportunities for youth.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism established youth hunting seasons through Pass It On, the department’s hunter recruitment program. Special youth seasons are set for spring turkey, deer, waterfowl, pheasants and quail. The youth seasons open before regular season openers, giving young hunters first crack. Setting youth seasons separate from regular seasons allows mentors to work with young hunters without giving up their traditional hunts.

Resident youth 15 and younger do not need a hunting license, and while Hunter Education certification is not required when hunting under adult supervision, it is highly recommended. Sixteen-year-old residents and all nonresidents must have hunting licenses. The adult mentor may not hunt; however the youth season can provide a great opportunity to scout potential hunting areas and get dogs primed before the regular opener.

With improved pheasant and quail populations predicted this fall, the youth season will provide a fantastic opportunity to introduce a youngster to the hunting tradition. For many veteran hunters, that experience is more rewarding than the hunt itself.