The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce is officially joining a coalition of other chambers of commerce who plan on pushing state leaders to expand Medicaid in Kansas in January.
A Thursday morning press conference in downtown Manhattan featured speakers from Via Christi, Stormont Vail and state advocacy groups. While many people feel the Affordable Care Act has been executive overreach by the federal government, economists and health administrators both agree expanding coverage in Kansas would be a boon for a withered economy and failing healthcare system.
“This is a common sense solution,” said David Jordan, executive director of Alliance for a Healthy Kansas. “It puts practicality before politics.”
Medicaid expansion also sits well with the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Chairwoman Kristin Brighton said added jobs and an improved quality of life would greatly improve Manhattan. Other speakers also noted tax payers are supporting the burden of failing mental health care, free and reduced lunch programs, and over-crowded jails which could all be alleviated in part by expanded care.
Currently, Kansas is missing out on more than $2.2 billion in federal funding by not participating in the ACA. Jordan said if Medicaid did expand, Riley County would see a $12 million boost to the economy and also insure 3,000 residents.
Bob Copple, President and CEO of Via Christi in Manhattan, said the hospital currently bolsters the region with $39 million in salaries every year. However, Copple indicated there are 25 primary care physicians in Manhattan and some are refusing to see Medicaid patients, which has significantly decreased the number of providers in town who do, adding the number was in the “mid-teens,”
Stormont Vail President Randy Petersen was also present, and says the Stormont Vail system will be closing locations in Alma and Lyndon at the beginning of the new year.
“As we head to the polls Nov. 8, the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce urges voters to figure out where the candidates stand on (Medicaid) expansion. Consider this issue in making your choices,” said Brighton.
