KANSAS CITY - Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is taking a stand this week amid the possibility of federal cuts to Medicaid.
The Democratic Governor announced in a press release that she's sent a letter to the Kansas Congressional Delegation asking that it protect Kansans from possible Medicaid cuts. The delegation consists of Kansas’ representatives in Congress, including its two senators and four representatives.
Politicians in Congress are currently debating possible cuts to the Medicaid program. She said these cuts threaten the quality and affordability of health care access for some of the Sunflower State’s residents, along with up to $1 billion in federal funding for Kansas.
“Significant cuts to the Medicaid program will directly affect Kansans across the state, regardless of their political views. These cuts would be particularly detrimental to our rural hospitals and providers,” Kelly said. “We must stand up against these changes to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Kansans covered under Medicaid can continue to receive quality, affordable care.”
The Governor said Kansas’ Medicaid program, KanCare, provides assistance to more than 443,000 people. Low-income older adults, children, pregnant mothers, and those with disabilities rely on the program, according to the Office of the Governor.
Republican Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita issued a response to the Governor’s letter, accusing Kelly of “fearmongering” and not understanding how Medicaid Expansion and Medicaid work.