Davids Marks Medicaid’s Impact during Community Celebration

SHAWNEE, KS – Last night, Representative Sharice Davids joined families and advocates to celebrate the positive impact Medicaid has on children with complex medical needs and disabilities. The event, coming on the heels of harmful cuts by President Trump and extreme politicians, highlighted the importance of protecting and expanding access to affordable health care for Kansans.

“Medicaid is a lifeline for thousands of Kansas families, ensuring kids and parents alike can get the care they need without sacrificing their financial security,” said Davids. “At a time when extreme politicians are gutting Medicaid or blocking expansion in Kansas, I remain committed to protecting and expanding this vital program so that all Kansans — no matter their circumstances — can live healthy, full lives.”

“Little Lobbyists Kansas is excited to celebrate our children with complex medical needs and disabilities and the positive impact Medicaid has on their lives,” said Laura Robeson, Little Lobbyists. “Through Medicaid, our children can access lifesaving and life-sustaining care and can thrive at home with their families. We are joining together to celebrate disability pride and to demonstrate the power and beauty of inclusion through a community mural.”

Today’s event was attended by hundreds of Kansans who have been positively impacted by Medicaid. It featured music, food trucks, games, sensory-friendly activities, and a collaborative chalk mural to honor Medicaid, which helps keep Kansas families healthy, strong, and thriving.

Kansans depend on Medicaid:

• 358,000 children and adults are enrolled in Kansas Medicaid:
  • 3 in 5 are children
  • 3 in 10 live in a rural area
  • 1 in 6 have three or more chronic conditions
• In Kansas, Medicaid covers 31 percent of births and 58 percent of nursing home residents
• Because Kansas has not expanded Medicaid, 27,000 Kansans are stuck in a coverage gap

President Trump’s recent budget law includes the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history. According to the U.S. Congressional Joint Economic Committee, the new law will strip coverage from 92,937 Kansans, put six rural hospitals across Kansas at risk of closure, restrict reproductive health care, and increase Affordable Care Act premiums by $780 per year for Third District families.

Throughout her time in Congress, Davids has championed policies to make health care more affordable and accessible. She voted to cap insulin costs at $35 per month for Medicare recipients, extend tax credits that help families afford insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and cap annual out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors. She also supported giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices — saving 74,000 Kansans up to 79 percent — and led efforts to ban surprise medical billing and increase transparency from insurers to help patients avoid costly out-of-network care.

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