Kansas Senate passes bill barring Medicaid expansion

Topeka, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-dominated Kansas Senate wants to indefinitely extend a ban on expanding the state's Medicaid program in line with the federal health care overhaul.

Senators approved a bill on a 33-7 vote Tuesday night saying the state couldn't expand Medicaid unless the Legislature approves the policy. The measure goes to the House.

A ban included last year in budget legislation is set to expire with the appropriations law in July 2015.

Medicaid provides health coverage for the needy and disabled. Supporters note that an expansion would help thousands of poor, working Kansans and that the federal government promises to pick up most of the cost. It is estimated that at least 350,000 Kansans would be eligible for Medicaid if the state elected to expand its coverage under the terms of the Affordable Care Act. Under that act, the federal government would pay 100% of the cost of expansion in the first three years, and then 90% afterwards.

But GOP lawmakers see the 2010 federal health care law championed by Democratic President Barack Obama as burdensome and likely to harm the economy.

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The Gayly – March 28, 2014 @ 10:25am