How Medicaid expansion would help Kansas kids

Heather Braum
March 3, 2021

We’re into the eighth week of the legislative session, and there hasn’t been any additional progress on Medicaid expansion.

This comes as two new reports highlight:

• An estimated 39,000 Kansas kids would benefit from expansion (Kansas Health Institute)
• Kids are left behind in their health care access when states like Kansas refuse to expand Medicaid (Georgetown Center for Children and Families).

In Kansas, an estimated 43,000 Kansas children do not have health insurance (5.8% of all Kansas kids).

That number is expected to be even higher, as it is based on data gathered before the pandemic. According to the Kansas Health Institute, based on pre-pandemic numbers, approximately 39,000 Kansas kids would benefit from Medicaid expansion.

A new Georgetown Center for Children and Families report by Adam Searing, Allie Corcoran, and Joan Alker focuses on the growing number of uninsured children in 12 states that have not expanded Medicaid – including Kansas.

Children in states that have not expanded Medicaid are more likely to be uninsured, with their families missing out on the financial security and peace of mind that comes with having health coverage. Children rely on healthy, financially secure parents to help them reach their full potential. Medicaid expansion provides that critical link to health and financial security for the whole family.

Due to the pandemic, many parents are losing their jobs and health insurance. Now is the time for non-expansion states like Kansas to expand Medicaid to ensure children and families don’t fall behind. Expansion will help families get back on their feet and provide parents with help to support their children’s health, financial security, and developmental needs.

Also, Medicaid expansion has been shown to improve preconception and prenatal care. It’s also associated with lower maternal and infant mortality rates.

We hope there is renewed discussion on this important issue, as Medicaid expansion directly affects Kansas kids and families.

 

Thanks to the Georgetown Center for Children and Families for language included in this blog post.

 

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