A coalition of Kansas health care providers, business organizations and local governments is intensifying its push for Medicaid expansion as election day approaches. The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce became the latest group to join the effort. Kristin Brighton is the chair of the chamber's board.
Several chambers of commerce in the Kansas City area are also participating in the lobbying effort, along with those in Topeka, Lawrence, Wichita, Hutchinson and Pittsburg. They say Republican Governor Sam Brownback's rejection of expansion is hurting vulnerable Kansans and the state's economy. The Kansas Hospital Association estimates the decision made by Brownback and Republican legislative leaders to block expansion has cost the state nearly one and a half billion dollars.
Heartland Health Monitor’s Jim McLean has more details on the lobbying campaign for Medicaid expansion in Kansas.
For more stories focusing on Medicaid, Medicare and health care policy, visit khi.org.