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 6
Pat Pettey (Democratic, incumbent)
I have promoted and supported Medicaid Expansion for 7 years. I have had the privilege to serve on every special committee that has looked at Medicaid expansion. There is No downside to expansion. Not only would at a minimum 150,000 working Kansans be eligible but it would also help every hospital in the state. They all have millions of $$ of uncompensated care every year and expansion would reduce these costs.
Businesses would benefit because one of the biggest cost is not having employees at work because of health issues expansion would have more working Kansans insured. More children would be insured because their parents are insured. Kansas has watched over $6 Billion $$ go to other states that should have come to Kansas.
41 states have passed Medicaid Expansion the biggest roadblock is leadership in the House & Senate. I will continue to do everything I can to pass Medicaid Expansion . Kansans will be the winners.
Tabitha Burt (Republican)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
