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Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids Wants To Change 'The Birthday Rule'

By Steve Kraske,

Published July 22, 2021 at 2:58 PM CDT

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U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids speaks to the media on Nov. 2. — KS Rep. Sharice Davids new congressional bill fights against "The Birthday Rule."

A bizarre insurance loophole put one Olathe couple $270,000 in debt after their newborn's NICU stay.

This loophole gives insurers the power to decide which parent's health care policy will cover the new baby. The deciding factor? Whichever parent's birthday comes first in the calendar year.

Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids' new bill seeks to change the little-known law nicknamed "The Birthday Rule" and ensure this doesn't happen again.

Rep. Sharice Davids, Kansas Representative (D-KS-03)
Mikell Kjelshus, member of local family affected by "Birthday Rule"

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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Trevor Grandin

Trevor Grandin is a contributing producer for KCUR Studios.

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