(March 10, 2023) – Since 2012, our members have advocated expanding KanCare because it will provide and protect access to affordable health care and bring preventive care to those who need it most. KanCare expansion protects our local communities and hospitals while strengthening our local and state economies. KHA members are committed to finding a Kansas solution for KanCare expansion.
You might recall that last month, the Kansas Health Institute published a report confirming the benefits of KanCare expansion on the behavioral health system and how expanding coverage could provide other benefits for Kansas families and communities. The study confirms the direct financial impact expansion would have on the behavioral health system, as well as indirect benefits. A few highlights of the report suggest:
- Of the 108,800 adults expected to newly enroll in Medicaid if expanded, an estimated 24,154 are likely to use behavioral health services once enrolled.
- Medicaid expansion is estimated to increase annual revenues for behavioral health providers from Medicaid claims by $87.1 million, a net revenue increase of $62.6 million.
- Medicaid expansion has been associated with fewer arrests and reduced rates of rearrests. A reduction in arrests may lead to reduced spending at county jails in Kansas and reduced incarceration in the criminal justice system.
- Medicaid expansion states experienced a 32.0 percent reduction in foster care admissions related to neglect as compared to non-expansion states. Applying the reduced rate experienced in expansion states to 2022 Kansas foster care data equates to an estimated 305 fewer children entering the foster care system in Kansas because of neglect.
As an additional part of our efforts, the Kansas Hospital Association has worked collaboratively with many other organizations that support KanCare expansion. KHA is one of more than 125 members of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas coalition. Together, we support KanCare expansion through collaboration, advocacy and outreach efforts. It has been a few years since advocates have been able to have a rally for KanCare expansion at the Kansas Statehouse. Next week, the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas will be hosting a rally to demonstrate support for KanCare expansion. We encourage KHA members to join us, as we encourage the Kansas Legislature to take action on expansion.
The Rally for KanCare Expansion will be from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, in the second-floor north wing of the Kansas Statehouse, with featured speaker Governor Laura Kelly. We encourage our members to RSVP for the KanCare Expansion Rally.
In addition, the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas has created numerous communication tools to engage in legislative advocacy for KanCare expansion this session. The "Steps to Expansion" initiative helps collaborating organizations and individuals know where things stand with KanCare expansion legislation and how to best participate at any given time. There are steps for both individuals and organizations, communication resources for social media, and other resources for advocacy. If you haven't already, sign the petition and reach out to legislators to let them know how important KanCare expansion is to you, your hospital and your community.
We hope to see you at the KanCare Expansion Rally next week.
--Chad Austin