What’s the Best Way to Enhance Access to Behavioral Health Services? Expand KanCare

By Sheldon Weisgrau | Aug. 20, 2019 In response to recent episodes of gun violence, some Kansas legislators have called for an expansion of mental health services in the state. Although a link between mass shootings and mental illness has not been established, we agree that there is a dire need to enhance the behavioral […]

Despite Strong Economy, Uninsured Ranks Grew by 700,000

Even with a strong economy and robust job market, 700,000 people lost health insurance between 2016 and 2017, an Urban Institute study shows. The uninsured rate national increased from 10% in 2016 to 10.2% in 2017, the first increase since 2013 and the advent of the Affordable Care Act. Under the ACA, the uninsured rate […]

The Effects of Medicaid Expansion under the ACA: Updated Findings from a Literature Review

A substantial body of research has investigated effects of the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on coverage; access to care and related measures (including utilization, quality of care and health outcomes, provider capacity, and affordability and financial security); and various economic measures. This issue brief summarizes findings from 324 studies of the […]

Federal Government Denies Utah Plan for Partial Expansion

By Sheldon Weisgrau | Aug. 8, 2019 Last month we wrote about interest from some Kansas legislators in the so-called “Utah model” of Medicaid expansion. Utah proposed a partial Medicaid expansion, in which coverage would be extended only to 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) – $12,490 for an individual and $21,330 for a […]

Wichita Eagle: Letter to the Editor on KanCare Expansion

By Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary | Aug. 1, 2019 On July 30, 1965, President Johnson signed the bipartisan Social Security Amendments into law, creating Medicaid as the bedrock program providing health care access for low-income Americans. Today, Medicaid (known as KanCare in Kansas) is a lifeline for thousands of Kansans — particularly children, seniors, […]

Chanute Tribune: Push to expand KanCare crucial for rural hospitals

By Greg Lower | Aug. 1, 2019 Rural health officials are pushing to expand KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program, to cover nearly 150,000 additional people. Dennis Franks, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer, said rural health care in Kansas is facing a crisis, and expanding the program would not only help hospitals but […]

Pratt Tribune: Study lends support to Medicaid expansion

By the Editorial Board | July 30, 2019 A new study shows lack of Medicaid expansion in 14 states, including Kansas, has caused 15,600 deaths that likely would have been averted with full expansion. The study is the latest in a growing body of evidence that Medicaid expansion is a cost-effective way to provide health […]

It’s Medicaid’s Birthday – Let’s Celebrate by Expanding its Benefits to More Kansans

By Sheldon Weisgrau | July 30, 2019 Fifty-four years ago, on July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson traveled to Independence, Missouri, and signed the Social Security Amendments into law, creating the Medicare and Medicaid programs. These two programs – which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan votes – have served as foundations of the health […]