TOPEKA, Kan. – A recent poll by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) shows strong support among Kansas registered voters for increasing and protecting access to affordable health coverage, including 72% in favor of expanding KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program, and 46% who strongly support it.
Support for expanding KanCare was found across the political spectrum with 98% of Democratic voters and majorities of Independents (64%) and Republicans (56%) supporting expansion.
The poll also found nearly 9 in 10 registered voters (87%) in Kansas say a candidate’s position on health care is important to them when deciding who to vote for, including 40% who say a candidate’s position is very important to them. Supermajorities of Republicans (82%), Independents (84%) and Democrats (97%) say a candidate’s position on health care is important to them when making that decision.
“Kansans clearly understand the importance of affordable health coverage and want their lawmakers to take action to expand KanCare,” said Megan Word, Kansas government relations director for ACS CAN. “Voters want Kansas to join the 38 other states who have expanded their Medicaid program and they are paying close attention this election season.”
Kansas is one of 12 states that has not expanded Medicaid, which would provide coverage to 150,000 residents. According to recent research by the American Cancer Society, states that have refused to increase eligibility for Medicaid have worse survival rates for most cancers in both early and late stages. States that have expanded Medicaid, on the other hand, have far better cancer survival rates and decreased cancer disparities.
Fully 81% of Kansas voters agree (including 62% who strongly agree) that everyone in Kansas, regardless of their income, where they live, their race, gender, or immigration status should be able to get affordable health care.
ACS CAN is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party. For more information or to view candidates’ responses to the ACS CAN questionnaire, visit cancervotes.org.
The poll of 500 likely Kansas voters was conducted on behalf of ACS CAN by Public Opinion Strategies and Hart Research Associates September 11-15, 2022, and has a margin of error of +4.38 percentage points. A copy of the polling memo can be found here: https://www.fightcancer.org/sites/default/files/national_documents/acs-can-0kansas-cancer-votes-press-memo.pdf
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
