Dear Editor,
The Kansas Hospital Association is profoundly disappointed in Governor Brownback’s veto of House Bill 2044 (Medicaid expansion). This bill would have:
• Provided important health care coverage for more than 150,000 of our most vulnerable citizens.
• Brought hundreds of millions of tax dollars back to Kansas.
• Supported struggling hospitals and health care providers across the state.
• Created a fiscally responsible, patient centered, health care plan for our state.
• Created jobs and boosted the Kansas economy.
House Bill 2044 passed the Kansas Legislature by a strong majority vote in both the House and Senate. That vote was reflective of the more than 82 percent of Kansans who support the Skincare expansion effort. Governor Brownback’s veto ignores both the will of the people and the direction of the legislature.
Contrary to the Governor’s assertions, this legislation would have helped reduce the waiting list for those with disabilities and would have served many caregivers for those with disabilities. Given the increased flexibility signaled by the Trump administration, the work referral in the legislation could have been the basis for a stronger requirement had the Governor been more serious about allowing Kansas to take advantage of the expansion opportunity. Clearly, the data shows that this legislation could have helped, not hurt, the state’s budget situation.
Congress recently signaled that the opportunity for states to expand their Medicaid programs will remain the law of the land, at least for the foreseeable future. The Governor’s veto keeps Kansas on the wrong side of this equation, placing us at both an economic and competitive disadvantage.
The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 219 member facilities, of which 127 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is Optimal Health for Kansas
Cindy Samuelson
Vice President, Public Relations and Political Fundraising
Kansas Hospital Association