Statement from the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas on Medicaid expansion bill

Expanding Medicaid is one of the most cost-effective tools our state can use to protect our residents, health care providers and economy during the COVID-19 crisis and later as we rebuild. With that in mind, we commend the governor for her commitment to this issue. We will need to discuss the full scope of Governor Kelly’s proposal with our coalition. However, we remain unified in urging the Legislature to act on expanding Medicaid now. On its own, expanding KanCare will prove to be a budget positive proposal that will create thousands of jobs.

Medicaid expansion is central to a productive workforce. Expansion will provide tens of thousands of Kansans with access to affordable health coverage so they can maintain their health, get back to work and help drive economic recovery from the pandemic. Moreover, expansion will strengthen health care in all parts of our state, benefiting rural and urban areas.

38 states — including all of our neighboring states — have expanded Medicaid. This puts Kansas at a severe disadvantage when it comes to recruiting health care workers and competing for new economic opportunities.

Dozens of studies have demonstrated the positive benefits of expansion, providing Kansas a roadmap for how to proceed. The time to deliver a viable health care solution for Kansans is now!

April Holman
Executive Director