Medicaid expansion may not move through the Kansas Legislature this session, but local officials involved in Governor Laura Kelly’s short visit in Emporia on Thursday say it’s needed.
Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods tells KVOE News Medicaid expansion offers potential benefits to employers.
Woods also sees expanding Medicaid benefits taxpayers and hospitals like Newman Regional Health through a focus on preventive maintenance instead of emergency care, thus fostering a more healthy workplace in general.
The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce has also supported expansion. President and CEO Jeanine McKenna:
The Emporia City Commission joined other local governments and hospitals in supporting expansion earlier this year. Commissioner Erren Harter says expansion is popular among rank-and-file Kansans.
Governor Kelly has been trying to expand Medicaid every year since she was elected. The Senate did not pass the Kelly plan to the chamber floor after a procedural vote Friday. The House is not voting on the plan this session. Kansas is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid since that was allowed by the federal government.
