By Trish Svoboda

Governor Laura Kelly said that Medicaid expansion could have prevented the impending closure of Eureka’s CareArc Health Clinic.

On January 24th CareArc Health Clinic announced its closure which is set for February 29th.

In a written statement, the governor stated, “The closure of yet another rural healthcare provider underscores the urgent need for Medicaid expansion. Residents who relied on CareArc Health Clinic will now face extended travel times or prolonged waits for basic care. Medicaid expansion could have facilitated the clinic’s ability to recruit and retain essential staff, ensuring continued patient service.”

Governor Kelly has advocated for Medicaid expansion since assuming office in 2019. Recently, she unveiled her “commonsense proposal” for Medicaid expansion, aiming to extend healthcare coverage to an additional 150,000 Kansans. The Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act was introduced in both chambers of the Kansas legislature.