Stinemetz v. Kansas Health Policy Authority
Kansas Court of Appeals
252 P.3d 141 (2011)
- Written by Elizabeth Yingling, JD
Facts
. Mary D. Stinemetz (plaintiff) was a Kansas citizen in need of a liver transplant. Stinemetz received medical insurance through the Kansas Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid), which was overseen by the Kansas Health Policy Authority (KHPA) (defendant). Stinemetz, a 35-year practicing Jehovah’s Witness, objected to a transplant that would require a blood transfusion because it violated her religious beliefs. However, Stinemetz’s religious beliefs would allow for a less expensive bloodless liver transplant. Medicaid would pay for this type of liver transplant if it occurred in Kansas. However, no Kansas hospitals provided that type of surgery. Instead, Stinemetz would need to travel to Omaha, Nebraska, in order to obtain the transplant. Under Kansas law, an out-of-state non-emergency service that occurred more than 50 miles from the Kansas border would be reimbursed by Medicaid only if the KHPA gave prior approval. Stinemetz sought prior approval. The KHPA denied Stinemetz’s request because her religious beliefs did not equate to a medical necessity. Stinemetz sued the KHPA for violation of her rights under the free-exercise clause of the Kansas Constitution.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Malone, J.)
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