3501

SILVER HAIRED LEGISLATURE RESOLUTION

NO. 3501

As Amended by SHL Committee

A RESOLUTION urging the Kansas Legislature to continue supporting the expansion of Medicaid in Kansas.

WHEREAS, An estimated 150,000 Kansans, including around 16,000 Kansas seniors between the ages of 60 to 65 years old, currently fall into the Medicaid coverage gap; and

WHEREAS, Medicaid expansion will improve health outcomes by reducing the number of uninsured Kansans, improving preventive and primary care access, providing substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling, and by reducing the mortality rate; and

WHEREAS, Medicaid expansion will likely yield new jobs, an increase in wages and salaries paid to Kansans and will increase economic activity throughout Kansas; and

WHEREAS, Federal funds will pay for 94% of services provided to the expansion population in 2018, 93% in 2019, and then level off at 90% in 2020 and beyond; and

WHEREAS, The state’s continued participation is contingent upon maintaining the 90% match; and

WHEREAS, Medicaid expansion will significantly reduce the burden of uncompensated care; and

WHEREAS, Leveraging the federal resources that come with Medicaid expansion is Kansas’ biggest opportunity to finance healthcare reform efforts: Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Silver Haired Legislature of the State of Kansas: That we urge the Kansas Legislature to continue supporting the expansion of Medicaid in Kansas.