One of Kansas’ top GOP lawmakers is facing increased scrutiny for his effort to expand the state’s Medicaid program.
State Senate majority leader Jim Denning is currently working with Gov. Laura Kelly (D) to pass a Medicaid expansion plan, much to the dismay of some his Republican counterparts, the Associated Press reported.
Denning’s support of an expansion to the Medicaid program is a complete shift after he previously blocked similar efforts last year, the report explained.
“I’ve worked with governors, but as a majority leader, you have a different role in that you’re the leader of the Republican caucus,” State Senate President Susan Wagle told the news organization.
“The caucus expects the majority leader to be carrying Republican values,” she added.
Long-term care providers, which rely on the program’s funding, in the past have not been in favor of state Medicaid expansion efforts, saying it could lead to added competition and potentially decrease the funding pot for providers.
The proposed Kansas plan would expand health coverage to more than 100,000 people in the state. Currently, more than 415,000 people are enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program.
