TOPEKA, Kan. – Today Governor Laura Kelly introduced a bill to expand KanCare, a move that would allow an estimated 165,000 low-income Kansans to gain access to comprehensive, affordable health insurance coverage. Many of those who could gain coverage are currently uninsured – which is especially risky during a pandemic.
A statement from Christina Cowart, grassroots manager for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Kansas follows:
“Countless Kansans, including cancer patients and survivors, have lost their jobs, had their hours reduced, or otherwise faced serious economic hardship due to the coronavirus. Many have also lost their employer-sponsored health insurance and now find themselves uninsured. Providing these hard-working state residents a clear path to comprehensive and affordable health insurance through Medicaid will help ensure that more people can prevent, detect and treat cancer before it’s too late.
“The health of Kansas and our ability to end this pandemic is dependent on individuals and their family members being able to access comprehensive health care without delay. Because Medicaid provides health care to people who have lost a job or become too sick to work, the program plays a vital role in the public health effort during this global pandemic.
“Medicaid expansion will help people with cancer, survivors, and people at risk of cancer access timely and appropriate care that spans the cancer continuum. Medicaid helps address health disparities by leveling the playing field, helping people of color and Kansans in under-resourced communities access they care they need to get and stay healthy.
“On behalf of the thousands of cancer patients, survivors and their families, we thank Governor Kelly for her leadership on this important issue.”