Follow other states’ lead on Medicaid expansion

Pennsylvania became the ninth state led by a Republican governor to expand Medicaid. Its expansion, which was approved last week, will be contracted through the state’s privatized Medicaid program, similar to KanCare, and will provide health coverage to nearly 500,000 low-income adults. Counting Pennsylania, 27 states and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid, and several other states are pursuing it, including Indiana. But in Kansas, Gov. Sam Brownback and the Legislature refuse to act. As a result, about 75,000 Kansans are left without health insurance and Kansas hospitals are stuck with unpaid bills. It’s a lose/lose. – Phillip Brownlee

This story was originally published August 31, 2014 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Follow other states’ lead on Medicaid expansion."