House Democrats unveil bill meant to encourage Kansas and Missouri to expand Medicaid
Kansas and Missouri, two of just 14 states that have not expanded Medicaid, would receive added incentive to make the move under legislation introduced Wednesday by House Democrats.
When Medicaid expansion was rolled out in 2014, the federal government picked up 100 percent of the costs for the first three years to expand coverage for low income Americans. The federal share has gradually decreased to 90 percent.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act would allow states that enact expansion to begin with the original 100 percent federal share.
"I've long been pushing for Kansas to join the 36 states that have already expanded Medicaid so we can lower health care costs and increase access to health coverage, meaning more people are protected during emergencies like the coronavirus pandemic," Davids said in a statement Wednesday.
"I'm proud to have helped secure vital provisions in this legislation that would give Kansas more urgently-needed money to expand Medicaid. By renewing the ACA's original expanded federal match, we can both incentivize states like Kansas to expand their Medicaid programs and ensure a smooth transition for those that do so.
Opponents of expansion have repeatedly warned that it would eventually lead to increased costs for the state, while proponents say it'll help prevent closures of rural hospitals and lead to better health care for underserved populations.
Missouri voters will vote on August 4 on a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid in the state.
In Kansas, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly's expansion plan was derailed during this year's legislative session by a standoff with Kansas Senate Republicans over a proposed anti-abortion amendment to the state constitution.
The COVID-19 crisis meant neither Kelly's expansion plan, nor the amendment passed this year. Both issues are likely to be taken up again when the Legislature reconvenes next January after the election.
Health care will be a key issue in both state legislative and congressional races in Kansas, which holds its primary election on August 4.
Davids, a freshman congresswoman, is facing her first re-election campaign this year after winning her 2018 race on a health care-focused platform.
Five Republicans— Amanda Adkins, Sara Hart Weir, Mike Beehler, Adrienne Vallejo Foster and Tom Love— are vying for the opportunity to face her in the fall. Adkins and Vallejo Foster both issued statements Wednesday afternoon panning House Democrats' health care bill, contending it be too costly or ineffective.