MANHATTAN — A Manhattan lawmaker is praising a legislative bill that would expand Medicaid coverage to some of the most vulnerable Kansas citizens.
The House advanced legislation Thursday by a 69-54 margin. Speaking with News Radio KMAN on Friday, 67th District Rep. Tom Phillips noted the bill is similar to a 2017 bill that passed both chambers, but was ultimately vetoed by then-Governor Sam Brownback. That includes a key provision involving federal government funding of KanCare, the state’s privatized Medicaid program.
Phillips adds that the gut and go process, which was used in this case to advance the Medicaid expansion bill, was necessary since leadership in the chamber was refusing to bring an important issue to the floor for debate.
While questions still exist on an exact cost to Kansas taxpayers, Phillips says he believes the state can afford it, even though it will be a challenge.
Phillips says he’s seen firsthand the amount of low-income individuals, some working multiple jobs that can’t afford health insurance.
Another issue for the legislature to tackle is education funding, something Phillips says is coming. The House is expected to debate a proposal soon on a bill that would include funding for two years as opposed to the governor’s bill passed by the Senate to fund schools for four years. Phillips says he has some reservations about the House bill.
Phillips says it’s important the legislature come to a consensus on this issue. He remains optimistic.
