|
For Immediate Release:
January 22, 2024
Contact:
Grace Hoge
[email protected]
ICYMI: Emporia City Commission
Endorses Medicaid Expansion
KEY QUOTE: “[Medicaid Expansion is] a no brainer with a revenue neutral cost for the state. … I urge our constituents to let our representation in Topeka know they are in favor of it.” Commissioner Susan Brinkman echoed [Commissioner Jamie] Sauder’s sentiments. “It’s the right thing to do,” she said.
-
With the 2024 legislative session officially underway, the City of Emporia and the Emporia City Commission expressed support for Medicaid expansion Wednesday. City Manager Trey Cocking said expansion is an important issue for the community on two fronts, because the city operates an EMS service and it would help with the nonpayment of bills for ambulance rides. Expansion would also support the local hospital system.
-
Commissioners passed Resolution 3721, which expresses support for the expansion of Medicaid in Kansas. The resolution outlines various reasons for supporting expansion, “including the positive impact on residents’ access to healthcare, the financial strain on emergency medical services, and the economic benefits to local healthcare institutions and the community overall.”
-
[City manager Trey] Cocking pointed out that Kansas is already paying for Medicaid expansion — for other states. By expanding it locally, more of the state’s money will stay local.
-
Governor Laura Kelly unveiled her “commonsense proposal” for Medicaid expansion Wednesday, which she said would offer healthcare to 150,000 additional Kansans. The Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act, was introduced into both chambers of the Kansas legislature.
-
The governor has called for hearings on the bill in both chambers by Kansas Day, Jan. 29.
|
|
|
|
