Medicaid expansion shouldn’t be political. It can boost every Kansan’s well-being | Opinion

Access to quality, affordable health care should be a basic human right, yet the Republicans in the Kansas Legislature have chosen to make Medicaid expansion a political issue, endangering the lives of tens of thousands of Kansans. This isn’t just about policies and budgets — it’s about the working families across the state, the farmers in western Kansas, our rural hospitals and all the communities that make Kansas the beating heart of the nation.

Medicaid expansion shouldn’t be a political issue. It’s a lifeline for those who deserve access to quality health care. So, why should every Kansan care? Because in Kansas, compassion and progress converge, and embracing Medicaid expansion is the key to unlocking a healthier and more equitable future for us all.

One of the primary arguments in favor of Medicaid expansion is the widespread support it has. Recent polls indicate that an overwhelming majority of our fellow Kansans support Medicaid expansion. This is not merely a political stance. It’s a reflection of the collective will to ensure that our state prioritizes the health and well-being of its residents. It is important to note that Kansas is one of only 10 states that have not yet embraced Medicaid expansion.

A glaring issue that underscores the urgency of Medicaid expansion is the approximately 150,000 Kansans who fall into the health care gap. These are individuals who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private health insurance. About 75% of these folks are working Kansans who find themselves caught in a precarious situation, facing the daunting choice between basic health care and financial stability. For example, a single mom earning just $800 a month makes too much money to qualify for Medicaid assistance under current guidelines, but most certainly cannot afford to purchase private health care insurance.

Medicaid expansion, beyond addressing this significant gap, is a crucial step toward improving overall public health. By providing coverage to more Kansans, we can proactively address health issues before they escalate. This would result in a healthier and more productive workforce, benefiting not only individuals, but the entire community.

Currently, hospitals and health care providers bear the brunt of uncompensated care costs when uninsured individuals seek medical treatment. Medicaid expansion would significantly reduce these costs by providing coverage for a broader segment of the population. This, in turn, helps stabilize the financial health of health care institutions, ensuring they can continue to provide essential services to their communities. This boost is particularly crucial in the post-pandemic era, as communities strive to recover and rebuild.

Contrary to common misconceptions, Medicaid expansion is not just a health care policy — it’s also an economic stimulus. By passing Medicaid expansion, Kansas would experience an economic boost, creating jobs and fostering growth in related industries. Working-class families struggling to make ends meet would be provided with the support they need. This expansion would ensure that health care costs do not become a crippling burden, allowing families to focus on their jobs and contribute more effectively to our state’s economy.

Kansas stands at a unique crossroads where the decision to expand Medicaid is not just a political one. It’s a moral imperative. It’s about standing up for the well-being of our neighbors and ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing essential health care services. It’s about recognizing that a healthy population is the bedrock of a thriving society.

It’s time we come together to build a healthier, more prosperous and compassionate Kansas for all.

Pam Shernuk is a lifelong Kansan and 33 year resident of Overland Park. She is the former chair of the Johnson County Commission on Aging and currently serves on the board of directors of Kansas Advocates for Better Care. Pam worked for the Blue Valley School District for 20 years and retired in 2015. She is a Democratic candidate for Kansas House District 8.