JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, the Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee passed the state’s operating budget. The committee’s budget does not include Gov. Parson’s recommendations for funding the expansion of MO Healthnet, Missouri’s Medicaid program.
The following statement can be attributed to the following health advocacy organizations: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Kidney Fund, American Heart Association, National Organization for Rare Disorders, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, National Hemophilia Foundation, American Lung Association, Susan G. Komen, NAMI Missouri, Hemophilia Federation of America and the American Diabetes Association.
“Today, the committee disregarded the will of Missourians by not funding Medicaid expansion in the proposed budget. As organizations dedicated to representing patients living with serious or chronic conditions, we are stunned to see that the committee isn’t taking steps to make this life-saving health care coverage available to more Missourians through the budget.
“In August, voters approved Amendment 2, which would improve access to primary care, prevention, and early detection services, as well as the disease management and comprehensive treatment services that our patients need. It is estimated that 275,000 Missourians will gain access to health insurance coverage through an expansion of MO Healthnet. The legislature is failing to act in accordance with the vote of Missourians by advancing a budget that doesn’t provide funding to expand this vital safety net program.
“Our organizations look forward to working with the legislature and governor to honor the voters’ will and move forward with a budget that funds the expansion of MO Healthnet.”
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