To the editor:

The Journal-World is a wonderful conduit for state and local news. The April 2 edition was particularly informative.

On page 5A we read “Republicans continue to reject Medicaid expansion” with an additional caption: “Medicaid provides coverage for the needy and disabled. Under the ACA (Obamacare), federal funds (to which Kansans contribute) would pay 100 percent of the cost of expansion for three years and no less than 90 percent after that.”

Since very few adults currently are eligible for Kansas Medicaid and those eligible for the Medicaid expansion being rejected are not eligible for subsidized health insurance through the ACA exchanges, those most in need of assistance are completely left out. The Kansas Legislature’s approach to health care for the poor is simply to not provide it.

On page 3A: “Legislators could be in charge of health care programs” with the caption: “Senate OKs inclusion into an interstate compact against Obamacare.” The article goes on to explain that the compact, if it goes into effect, would allow the Legislature to abolish the ACA, which provides affordable access to health insurance for those with pre-existing conditions not covered under employer’s plans, but also would give them control over Medicare.

If the Legislature is willing to write off the poor to save a buck, what would make anyone think they would leave the benefits for the self-employed and seniors intact. Wake up, people, before it’s too late, and replace these irresponsible leaders with people who actually care about the people they represent.