Kansas Stories: Rebecca
March 2025
Rebecca is a mother and grandmother in Wichita who, like thousands of others, faces the harsh realities of the health care coverage gap. Due to mental health challenges, she had to leave her job and lost her employer-provided insurance.
After leaving her position, Rebecca started the process of applying for SSI Disability, and while she waited for a decision on her disability case, Rebecca was able to qualify for MediKan, a state-funded program that allows those applying for Disability to be covered by Medicaid. However, this coverage is only available for one year, despite the fact that many people seeking disability wait years for a decision to be made in their case, and often have to apply more than once before being accepted.
When Rebecca’s SSI disability case was denied, she found herself once again uninsured, joining tens of thousands of other Kansans who currently live in the coverage gap. Now she struggles to afford her necessary medication and treatments; without them, her mental and physical health get worse. She feels stuck in a system that seems to be working against her.
Since Rebecca does not have any health coverage, she has been able to receive care from Guadalupe Clinic in Wichita. Guadalupe Clinic is a low-income free clinic that serves individuals ages 18-65 who are below 200% of the federal poverty level and have no insurance coverage in Wichita and the surrounding area. While a great resource, Guadalupe Clinic’s limited care has forced her to use a less effective medication, replacing the one she relied on when she had access to health coverage.
Adding to her worries are the mounting medical issues she faces. Rebecca needs a colonoscopy due to a family history of colon cancer and concerning results from a previous test. Her doctor also wants her to have a CT scan to pinpoint the cause of her migraines, as well as further testing to address ongoing GI issues. But without insurance and the inability to pay out-of-pocket, these essential tests remain out of reach, leaving her health in a precarious state.
Rebecca’s experience highlights the urgent need for Medicaid expansion in Kansas. The current system leaves individuals like Rebecca without access to care, preventative screenings, and management of chronic conditions. Expanding Medicaid will provide coverage to thousands of Kansans, ensuring they can receive timely and appropriate medical care.
Even with all the difficulties, Rebecca remains hopeful. She hopes that sharing her story will raise awareness about the difficulties faced by those in the coverage gap and bring about positive changes. Rebecca’s hope rests on our collective action. Policymakers and community members should join forces and push to expand Medicaid in Kansas, closing the coverage gap and creating a more equitable healthcare system for everyone.