Some very interesting news in Kansas that I don’t know how to interpret:
Per @emma_sandoe, Kansas’ House just voted 85-40 in favor of expanding Medicaid.
— Sarah Kliff (@sarahkliff) February 22, 2017
The argument that is being advanced is that even at a 90% Federal match, there is a Medicaid expansion package that will reduce Kansas state expenditures so it helps the state legislature dig out of the Brownback inspired fiscal hole without raising taxes and without being heartless bastards. And that argument seems to have worked in at least the House.
Here is what I don’t know yet:
- Will this pass the Senate?
- Will it pass with a Senate super-majority that is veto-proof?
- Is it straight up expansion/state plan amendment or a 1115 waiver application?
- What the hell is going on?
So what the hell is going on in Kansas as this seems slightly unbelievable in a good way. And who do we need to call to encourage good votes in the Senate?