Governor Laura Kelly has urged the Kansas Congressional Delegation to stop proposed federal Medicaid cuts that could severely impact access to affordable health care in the state. In a letter sent Monday, she warned that under the latest congressional plan, Kansas could lose up to $1 billion in federal Medicaid funding in just the first year.

Medicaid currently supports more than 443,000 Kansans, including low-income children, seniors, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities. The proposed cuts could lead to significant coverage losses, while also straining hospitals—particularly in rural areas, where 64% are already at risk of closure. Reduced funding would increase uncompensated care costs and lower reimbursements.

Kansas remains one of ten states that have not expanded Medicaid, resulting in higher charity care expenses and forfeiting over $7 billion in federal funding since Governor Kelly took office. She has pushed for expansion each year, but the Legislature has not acted.

Further federal cuts would destabilize an already stretched system, jeopardizing both patient care and the health care workforce. Governor Kelly is calling on both federal and state leaders to protect Kansas’ health care system and ensure continued investment in its future.