TOPEKA- Last week, Gov. Laura Kelly’s bipartisan proposal to expand Medicaid received support from more than 20 Kansas businesses and chambers of commerce during hearings in the House Committee on Health and Human Services and a joint session of the Committee on Public Health and Human Services. concerns to the Senate and the Senate Ways and Means Committee. These businesses and chambers of commerce represent thousands of Kansas business owners across the state.
The Sunflower Foundation recently shared results from a statewide survey conducted by Neil Newhouse with Opinion Strategies, which found that 83 percent of small business owners support expanding Medicaid in Kansas.
Here’s what they say:
“Medicaid expansion will be a driving force in keeping our teams fully staffed and creating channels for internal growth and development, as increased access to health care will lead to more productivity and less worker absenteeism, which, again, does not I can’t stress enough the importance of in the restaurant business.”
— Mukesh Dharod, Owner and CEO, Genesh, Inc. DBA Burger King
“Our continued growth in Chanute depends in part on the community’s ability to provide health care, and the passage of Medicaid expansion is critically needed. Amazingly, Kansas is one of very few states that does not offer this benefit, and the projected net loss to Medicaid write-offs for our public hospital alone exceeds $90 million annually.
— Charles M. Newell, CEO, and Henry H. Newell, President, Orizon Aerostructures
“An expanded Medicaid program would also ensure a healthier, more productive and efficient workforce that will continue to fuel the business growth of our community and our state. The biggest investment for most companies is the one they make in their employees. Expanding coverage to uninsured Crawford County residents will increase productivity while reducing absenteeism and employee turnover. This type of focus on workforce development is an increasingly important consideration when locating and/or expanding a business.”
— Blake Benson, President, Pittsburgh Area Chamber of Commerce
“As a small business owner of a farm and seed operation in western Kansas, we see Medicaid expansion as a piece of the puzzle to keep our small community together. In our business, we pay health benefits for our employees, but these loyal people have family and friends who may not have this opportunity. They may work part-time or have a job that simply doesn’t carry health coverage.
—Louise Ehmke, Co-Owner, Ehmke Seed
“There are hardworking employees who would benefit from Medicaid expansion. I believe in providing health care benefits to my employees, and for most businesses, health care costs are a large part of our operating expenses. Medicaid expansion will allow me to grow and expand my business and serve even more people in Kansas. Expanding Medicaid would also help my employee satisfaction and retention by keeping high-quality employees in rural Kansas.”
— Dr. Jennifer B. McKenney, Owner, Fredonia Family Care, The Oasis Medical Spa and The Remote Scribe Company
“Hutchinson’s largest employer is the Hutchinson Regional Health System, which contributes to the health and vitality of our own economy. We are with them in asking for your support for the Health Care Cost Reduction for All Kansas Residents Act, which will accomplish several things. It protects rural hospitals, supports jobs and health care in rural communities.”
— Debra Teufel, president and CEO, Hutchinson and Reno County Chamber of Commerce
“Expanding KanCare eligibility would provide much-needed health coverage to thousands of working but uninsured individuals across our state, including nearly 7,500 in Johnson County.” Access to affordable health care is an essential component of a thriving economy. When people are healthy and have access to preventive care, they are more productive in the workplace and less likely to miss work due to illness.
—Stephanie Meyer, President and CEO, Leawood Chamber of Commerce
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