Film competition: Prizes awarded for short films about health insurance

The Alliance for a Healthy Kansas is seeking submissions for a short film competition. Three winners will be awarded cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250, respectively.

What kind of film should I make?
The Alliance is seeking short films (10 minutes or less) about Medicaid (KanCare) expansion. Films may focus on people, places, health care providers or policy. Filmmakers may choose any style or format: documentary, scripted, animated, etc. Please note, filmmakers do not have to be Kansas residents but the film should focus on Kansas health care.

What is KanCare?
KanCare is the name for the state’s Medicaid program. Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. The program is funded jointly by states and the federal government.

What is KanCare expansion?
Under the Affordable Care Act, states have the option to expand their Medicaid programs to insure more people. The federal government provides an enhanced match rate to fund these expanded programs (90/10 split federal/state funding). Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have expanded their Medicaid programs. Kansas is one of only 14 states that has not expanded.

Why do we need KanCare expansion?
Expanding the state’s Medicaid program will allow more Kansans to gain access to health insurance, create jobs and grow the Kansas economy. It will allow more hospitals to keep their doors open—especially in rural locations—and provide security for families so they can keep working, stay healthy and contribute to their communities.

How do I submit my film for consideration?
Upload your film to YouTube or Vimeo or a similar online video sharing platform and email the link to spencer@expandkancare.com. Deadline to submit is Oct. 25, 2019.

How will I know if I won?
The Alliance will contact the 3 finalists and screen the award-winning films at a special event in Topeka on Nov. 1, 2019. Judges will announce first, second and third places during the screening event. Films may be used on the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas website and on social media.

Who do I call with questions?
Contact Spencer Culver at 785-861-7890 or spencer@expandkancare.com with questions or for more information.