Medicaid Access Could Be Expanded For 150,000 Americans

A New Bill Aims to Expand Medicaid Access to 150,000 Kansans

In a move that could significantly impact the lives of thousands of low-income residents, a new bill called the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans Act has been introduced in the Kansas state legislature. The bill, championed by Governor Laura Kelly, seeks to expand Medicaid coverage to an estimated 150,000 Kansans who currently lack access to affordable healthcare. This legislation is part of a broader effort to address the state’s healthcare challenges, including rural hospital closures, a strained healthcare workforce, and high medical costs for families. If passed, the bill would bring Kansas in line with the majority of states that have already expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a law that has been in place for over a decade.

Why Medicaid Expansion Matters

Medicaid is the largest federal program providing medical and health-related services to low-income individuals and families across the United States. However, Kansas is one of only nine states that has not yet expanded Medicaid eligibility under the ACA. Currently, Medicaid in Kansas is available only to those earning up to 44% of the federal poverty level, a threshold far below the 138% level allowed under the ACA. This restrictive eligibility has left many Kansans in a precarious position—earning too little to qualify for subsidized private health insurance but too much to access Medicaid. Known as the "coverage gap," this situation affects an estimated 44,000 low-income residents in the state. Expanding Medicaid would bridge this gap, ensuring that thousands of Kansans gain access to life-saving healthcare services.

Key Details of the Proposed Bill

The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans Act was introduced to both the Kansas House and Senate, with Senator Pat Pettey leading the charge in the Senate. If passed, the bill would extend Medicaid eligibility to individuals earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, aligning Kansas with the expanded criteria adopted by most other states. While the full text of the bill is not yet available, Governor Kelly’s office has emphasized the positive economic and healthcare impacts of Medicaid expansion. For instance, the state expects the expansion to create 23,000 new jobs, inject $1.2 billion annually into the Kansas economy, and reduce healthcare costs for residents. Additionally, the expansion would help address the state’s healthcare workforce shortage and provide critical support to rural hospitals, many of which are struggling to remain open.

The Economic and Healthcare Benefits of Expansion

Proponents of the bill argue that Medicaid expansion is not just a moral imperative but also a sound economic strategy. By expanding Medicaid, Kansas would tap into federal funding that has been left on the table for years. According to Governor Kelly, the state has forfeited over $280 million and missed out on $7.6 billion in federal dollars by delaying Medicaid expansion. These funds could have been used to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, support rural hospitals, and create jobs. Moreover, expanding Medicaid would reduce the financial burden on hospitals that currently provide uncompensated care to uninsured patients. This, in turn, could lower healthcare costs for everyone, including those with private insurance.

What People Are Saying About the Bill

Governor Laura Kelly has been a vocal advocate for Medicaid expansion, framing it as a bipartisan issue that benefits all Kansans. "The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans Act protects our rural hospitals, bolsters our healthcare workforce, and strengthens our economy—all while coming at no cost to Kansans," she said in a statement. Kelly also emphasized the urgency of passing the bill, noting that delayed action has cost the state millions of dollars and left many residents without access to essential healthcare services.

Similarly, Senator Pat Pettey, who introduced the bill in the Senate, called on her fellow legislators to listen to the voices of Kansas residents. "Kansans deserve quality, affordable healthcare, and by expanding Medicaid, we can increase this access to 150,000 additional working Kansans and lower healthcare costs for all," she said. Pettey’s remarks reflect the widespread support for Medicaid expansion among Kansas voters, who have consistently expressed their desire for greater access to affordable healthcare.

What’s Next for the Bill?

The Healthcare Access for Working Kansans Act is currently under review by the House and Senate committees. While the bill has strong support from Governor Kelly and many lawmakers, its passage is not guaranteed. Opponents of Medicaid expansion have raised concerns about the potential costs to the state, although proponents argue that the federal funding and economic benefits far outweigh any expenses. As the legislative session progresses, Kansans will be watching closely to see if their elected officials will take this critical step toward improving access to healthcare.

For now, the bill represents a promising opportunity to address some of the most pressing healthcare challenges facing Kansas. By expanding Medicaid, the state can help ensure that more residents have access to the medical care they need to thrive. As Governor Kelly put it, "Let’s bring Kansas taxpayer dollars back home to support our healthcare system. Let’s invest in the health and well-being of our communities. Let’s pass Medicaid expansion this session." The next few months will determine whether this vision becomes a reality for the people of Kansas.