Source: US State of Kansas
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Laura Kelly hosted a roundtable with law enforcement and local community leaders at the Shawnee County Adult Correctional Facility to discuss Medicaid expansion and its impacts to counties and local taxpayers. This event marks Governor Kelly’s second stop on her relaunched “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour, ahead of the Kansas Legislature’s vote on a motion to debate Medicaid expansion on the Senate floor on April 26.
“We have left more than $7 billion in Washington, D.C. as one of the last ten states to expand Medicaid,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This influx of funding would have an enormous impact by decreasing the financial burden on our jails and county taxpayers and increasing access to mental health care services for all Kansans. When the legislature reconvenes next week, it is time for legislators to debate and vote on Medicaid expansion.”
Participants at the roundtable shared how Medicaid expansion would have a significant impact on law enforcement, local taxpayers, and Kansans experiencing mental health crises or addiction.
“The cost to provide quality health care for those who are incarcerated is becoming one of the biggest challenges our community faces today,” said Director Brian Cole, Shawnee County Department of Corrections. “Having access to quality services can have a dramatic impact on reducing recidivism. Our continued partnership between the State of Kansas and Shawnee County will make a difference.”
“Kansas’ failure to expand Medicaid has caused great stress on local governments and especially public hospitals, resulting in painful property tax increases that could have otherwise been avoided,” said Chris Courtwright, former Economist for the Kansas Legislature. “How ironic is it that our refusal to allow our own federal tax dollars to be returned to the state has been directly responsible for property tax hikes? Not expanding Medicaid has in fact been a double burn for hardworking Kansans.”
“The costs to provide medical and behavioral health care to incarcerated persons continue to rise dramatically,” Major Tim Phelps, Administrative Deputy Director, Shawnee County Department of Corrections said. “Citizens who have access to care in the community, in the detention center, and again when they return to the community have the best chance of stabilizing and becoming successful neighbors. The state and county governments working together to improve the availability of health care – particularly behavioral health care – is necessary for the safety and welfare of all Kansas citizens.”
“The cost of medical care for inmates has rapidly increased over the past several years and this is a cost that is shouldered by the taxpayers of Shawnee County,” said Commissioner Kevin Cook, Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners. “Additionally, Shawnee County provides financial assistance to mental health providers. Through Medicaid expansion, the County would be able to assist more individuals with mental health and addiction issues.”
“Valeo Recovery Center offers a continuum of care for all individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders, regardless of income,” Cathy Walker, Director, Valeo Recovery Center said. “Working alongside other public safety net partners, Valeo is a decades long asset to our community. Expanding Medicaid would help Valeo provide critical services to more Kansans.”
“Medicaid expansion would be a proactive investment in our community’s mental health,” said Rachel Wolfe, Crisis and Intake Services Program Manager, Valeo Behavioral Health Care. “[Expansion would sustain] the crisis services Valeo has provided for over 50 years and [fortify] the infrastructure necessary to provide robust and accessible care, whenever and wherever the individual needs it.”
Roundtable participants included:
- Brian Cole, Director, Shawnee County Department of Corrections
- Major Tim Phelps, Administrative Deputy Director, Shawnee County Department of Corrections
- Rachel Wolfe, Crisis & Intake Services Program Manager, Valeo Behavioral Health Care
- Cathy Walker, Director, Valeo Recovery Center
- Commissioner Kevin Cook, Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners
- Chris Courtwright, former Economist for the Kansas Legislature
Kansans can find contact information for their local legislator here.
Photos from today’s event, for media use, are available below:
###
