Kansas ‘Nuns Letter’ Supports Medicaid Expansion

For Immediate Release: February 25, 2020
Contact: Lee Morrow, lmorrow@networklobby.org, 202-601-7871

Kansas ‘Nuns Letter’ Supports Medicaid Expansion
Sr. Simone: “I stand with more than 75 Catholic Sisters in Kansas to urge the state legislature to do what is right.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Kansas State Legislature prepares to debate expansion of KanCare, over 75 Catholic Sisters in Kansas have signed a letter imploring legislators to support Medicaid expansion.

There are currently more than 30 financially vulnerable rural hospitals in Kansas. Three hospitals have already been forced to close. Without the expansion of KanCare, all 30 of these hospitals will struggle to keep their doors open and continue to serve millions of Kansans.

The letter states:

“About 150,000 Kansans have been waiting since 2014 for the benefits they deserve. They should not have to wait any longer. The Kansas Legislature must listen to the will of the voters and pass Medicaid expansion without any strings attached. Bishop Frank Dewane, speaking for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has strongly supported protecting the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid Expansion. He stated that it is imperative that we protect the lives of our vulnerable people. We Catholic Sisters stand with the USCCB.”

This “Nuns Letter” was organized by NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, a long time supporter of Medicaid expansion. You can read the letter here: https://networklobby.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KansasMedicaidExpansionLetter2020.pdf

Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice said:

“Healthcare is a right and all Kansans deserve access to the care they need. The work of Governor Kelly and Senator Denning to expand Medicaid to low income residents of the state is critically important. As a Catholic Sister, I stand with more than 75 Catholic Sisters in Kansas to urge the state legislature to do what is right for vulnerable families in the state. This is the faithful way forward and should be accomplished now!”

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NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic Sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a nearly 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org