The REACH Foundation encourages adoption of a state solution, such as KanCare expansion, to close the health coverage gap that affects thousands of low-income, working adults and families in Kansas.

• Nearly 130,000 Kansans are unable to secure coverage because state leaders have declined to expand Medicaid to support adults who fall in the coverage gap.
• Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have taken advantage of the opportunity to expand Medicaid. Data from their experiences are clear: Medicaid expansion has had a positive impact on health outcomes and has not harmed state budgets.
• Health providers, hospitals, businesses and local governments agree that expanding KanCare is a fiscally sound health care solution that would benefit workers and the state’s economy. Analyses from Michigan, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana and other states have demonstrated these economic results.

The REACH Foundation supports budget and tax policies that ensure adequate revenue is available to invest in core services and programs that can help Kansas workers and families thrive.

• Tax policy decisions of prior elected leaders produced substantial revenue losses and weakened public services. Reversal of these policies has helped Kansas regain its financial footing, but core services still need to be strengthened.
• Kansans want common sense solutions for rebuilding the state’s infrastructure and improving government accountability, particularly regarding the protection of vulnerable children and adults.
• With many competing demands on the Kansas budget, lawmakers should reject risky tax proposals and instead continue to reinvest in the state’s recovery.

The REACH Foundation encourages Kansas leaders to actively promote the 2020 Census to ensure Kansas is accurately counted for federal programs and representation.

• The census is the primary source of data on the states’ populations and the economy, determining allocation of nearly $700 billion in federal dollars.
• Kansas receives approximately $6 billion in federal funds based on census programs. These resources provide crucial monies for roads and transportation, public health, housing, food and nutrition services, and education.
• Other states have stepped up their outreach to ensure a complete count. Kansas leaders must likewise commit to promoting and integrating robust communication and outreach strategies at every level of government to ensure all Kansans are counted.

The REACH Foundation supports expansion of Medicaid to close the health coverage gap that affects thousands of low-income, working Missouri adults and families.

• Missouri is one of only 14 states that has not expanded Medicaid, limiting access to health and mental health coverage and care for nearly 230,000 Missourians.
• Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia have taken advantage of the opportunity to expand Medicaid. Data from their experiences are clear:  Medicaid expansion has had a positive impact on health outcomes – without harm to state budgets.
• Health providers, hospitals and businesses agree that expanding Medicaid is a fiscally sound health care solution that would benefit workers and the state’s economy. Analyses from Michigan, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana and other states have demonstrated these economic results.

The REACH Foundation urges lawmakers to revise state tax policies to ensure adequate revenues are available to invest in core services and programs that can help Missouri workers and families thrive.

• Missouri’s tax policies are not set up to help the state maintain a dependable revenue flow that allows leaders to meet basic public needs.
• The state has experienced an erosion in programs and financial support for state infrastructure, K-12 and higher education, and health and mental health services. As a result, Missouri has fallen behind many states in its support for roads, workforce, health and education.
• Lawmakers have the opportunity to reexamine tax policies, such as changes to individual income tax rates, business tax deductions and timely filing discounts that disadvantage low- and middle-income families and deprive the state of revenues that could be used to invest in jobs, education and other drivers of prosperity.

The REACH Foundation urges state leaders to adjust Medicaid enrollment renewal processes to ensure eligible children and families maintain health coverage.

• Missouri children lost Medicaid coverage at an alarming rate following implementation of renewal processes adopted in 2018. Loss of coverage prevents children from getting the care they need to be healthy.
• Enhancing call center help and providing ready access to technical assistance would help families in the short term as the state tackles longer-term system improvements to reduce barriers to enrollment.

The REACH Foundation encourages Missouri leaders to actively promote the 2020 Census to ensure the state is accurately counted for federal programs and representation.

• The census is the primary source of data on the states’ populations and the economy, determining allocation of nearly $700 billion in federal dollars and congressional representation.
• Missouri receives approximately $16.5 billion in federal funds based on census programs. These resources help to fund roads and transportation, public health, housing, food and nutrition services, and education.
• Without increased state engagement, there is a likelihood that Missouri will not be fully counted, resulting in a loss of revenue. Other states have stepped up with significant financial support and other technical assistance to ensure a complete count. Missouri should follow their lead.