Governor Laura Kelly visited the Adult Outpatient Program, Crisis Services Department, and Behavioral Urgent Care Center at Prairie View, Inc. in Newton as part of her “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” tour. During the visit, Governor Kelly discussed the impact that Medicaid expansion would have on behavioral and mental health services with Prairie View Inc.’s leadership team.
Expanding Medicaid would increase access to healthcare for individuals in need of comprehensive mental health treatment, according to Governor Laura Kelly. She emphasized the urgency for the Kansas Legislature to vote in favor of debating and voting on Medicaid expansion when they reconvene on April 26. Currently, Kansas ranks 48th in access to mental health care, as reported by Mental Health America.
With Medicaid expansion, an additional 150,000 Kansans would gain access to healthcare services, ultimately benefiting the state’s healthcare workforce and reducing costs for all individuals. Prairie View, Inc.’s President and CEO, Marcy Johnson, emphasized the importance of expanding Medicaid to ensure that more Kansans have access to critical mental health services.
Legislators from Harvey County and surrounding areas were encouraged to attend the tour and learn more about the benefits of Medicaid expansion. Kansans were also provided with contact information to reach out to their local legislators and voice their support for Medicaid expansion. Photos from the event are available for media use.