Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Kansas is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid in the more than a decade since the Affordable Care Act took effect, and it has remained one of our readers’ top issues every election cycle since. Projections suggest expanding Medicaid would allow roughly 150,000 Kansans who can’t currently afford health coverage to be insured. Do you support expanding Medicaid in Kansas? Why or why not?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
District 35
Jason Anderson (Democratic)
I am a strong advocate for expanding Medicaid in Kansas. For too long, we have allowed partisan politics to stand in the way of providing affordable healthcare to 150,000 Kansans who currently fall into the coverage gap. These are hardworking individuals who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. Expanding Medicaid is not only a moral imperative—it’s also a smart economic decision.
Medicaid expansion would bring billions of federal dollars back to Kansas, helping to stabilize our rural hospitals, reduce the burden of uncompensated care, and create thousands of new
jobs in healthcare and related sectors. States that have expanded Medicaid have seen improved health outcomes, lower rates of medical bankruptcy, and stronger local economies. By refusing to expand Medicaid, Kansas is leaving money on the table and putting our residents’ health and financial well-being at risk.
If elected, I will work tirelessly to pass Medicaid expansion. It’s time we take action to ensure every Kansan has access to the healthcare they need, while also strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and economy.
TJ Rose (Republican)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
