Laura Kelly on Health Care

Ban gatherings over 10, including church, for coronavirus

Kelly announced she was removing exemptions for churches and funerals from a statewide order that limits gatherings of more than 10 individuals. The Legislative Coordinating Council then voted 5-2 along party lines to rescind the governor's order. The action invited confusion about whether there is no longer a statewide ban on any kind of large public gathering.

"[This] confusing and overtly political attack [was a] a shockingly irresponsible decision that will put every Kansas life at risk," Kelly said. Governors in 44 states have imposed similar restrictions on church attendance. But Republicans complained that Kelly had overstepped her authority by restricting religious gatherings. "It appears to be out of line, extreme and clearly a blatant violation of our fundamental rights," said Senate president Susan Wagle.

Kansas must become 37th state to expand Medicaid

Cover an additional 150,000 Kansans by expanding Medicaid

The ruling left the discretion to expand up Medicaid up to states. The Kansas Legislature passed a law in 2014 to require the governor to obtain legislative approval before expanding. Kelly, who was recruited into the race for governor by Sebelius, has made it her mission to expand the program to cover an additional 150,000 Kansans after watching 36 other states and the District of Columbia expand Medicaid during the past seven years.

Wagle is firmly set against it because of concerns about the long-term costs.

Expand Medicaid, without further study or compromises

If Kansas increases eligibility in the program, which provides health coverage to low-income individuals and individuals with disabilities, to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, then the federal government will pay for 90 percent of the cost. For a family of four, that's $35,535 a year. The state's share of the cost of expansion has been estimated at somewhere between $34 million and $47 million a year.

KanCare-based Medicaid expansion to save rural hospitals

Expand Medicaid for more coverage and jobs

Insurers to provide real-time information of benefits

Supporting statement in Missouri Medicine: High deductible plans and high co-insurance plans now dominate both the private sector plans and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange plans.˙Knowing the out of pocket costs of non-emergency health care services is part of the informed decision process between a physician and patient. Patients need to know the financial obligation they will incur as well as being able to have time and ability to satisfy it. Knowing what out of pocket expenses will be due is important in the rapidly changing health care environment.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 38-2-0 on 4/2/14; State Sen. Kelly voted YES; Passed House 97-27-1 on 5/2; Signed by Gov. Brownback on 5/12