Kansas hospitals continue call for Medicaid expansion despite possible ACA repeal

Hospitals and health organizations in Kansas are maintaining efforts to expand the state’s Medicaid program, even as an incoming Trump administration may repeal the ACA, The Wichita Eagle reports.

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The state’s decision to not expand Medicaid has led to a hefty financial burden for Kansas hospitals, with at least one in three facilities facing potential closure, according to the report. The biggest health system in the state — Wichita, Kan.-based Via Christi Health — recorded a $28 million loss over the past two years, citing inaction of Medicaid expansion as the main cause.

Kansas Hospital Association spokesperson Cindy Samuelson told The Wichita Eagle the organization will introduce a Medicaid expansion bill in next year’s legislative session. “Until we know what will happen on the federal level, we think it’s important to keep moving forward,” she said.   

On the federal level, GOP leaders have proposed a block grant system to fund Medicaid.  

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