Obamacare

So many supporters of Medicaid expansion converged on the Kansas Statehouse that lawmakers had to find a larger committee room to hold a hearing on the idea.

It looked like the idea of expanding Medicaid in Kansas was dead for this legislative session. But now, expansion proponents say they see signs of hope for expanding the program, so it can provide health coverage to more low-income residents.

Many rural hospitals across the Midwest are struggling to stay open. In Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and other states, they're pushing for Medicaid expansion, which could help keep them financially afloat.

Deadlines looming as legislative session near midway point.

Annual open enrollment period for "Obamacare" ended Sunday.

Some Kansas lawmakers are now considering the idea of expanding Medicaid under provisions of the ACA or, Affordable Care Act - what some call Obamacare.

Regional headlines from the Associated Press