Health in the 34th

Alliance for a Healthy Kansas

5.0 (4)
NON-PROFIT
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Kansas is one of only 10 states in the U.S. who hasn't expanded its Medicaid program yet. Join hosts from the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas to discuss the latest topics in Health in Kansas, the 34th state, including Medicaid expansion, the rise of medical debt, preserving rural health care, and other ways we can get access to affordable health care to our friends, family and neighbors in the Sunflower State.

FEB 18

SB 363: Paperwork over people in Kansas

In this time-sensitive episode, we break down Kansas Senate bill 363 and why health care providers, food banks, disability advocates, senior organizations, and faith leaders are warning about the harm it will cause. The bill would increase administrative costs for Medicaid and SNAP, raising error rates, costing more for taxpayers, and causing eligible Kansans to lose access to health care and food. We break down the testimony from the hearings held February 10 & 11, 2026, and ask a critical question: If SB 363 increases costs and coverage losses, what problem is it really solving?

38 min
JAN 21

Inside the Dome: What to Expect from the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session

What's ahead for Kansas lawmakers in 2026? In this episode we are joined by Sean Gatewood of Sunflower Public Affairs to break down how the Kansas Legislature works, what to watch during this shortened session, and how Kansans can get involved in the process in real time. We dig into the committees to watch and the big issues likely to dominate the session, including the state budget, proposed cuts, and health concerns like Medicaid and Medicaid expansion. We also give tips on clear ways to get involved in the legislative process, including the best ways to contact your legislators and provide testimony when it matters the most. If you want to stay informed and make your voice heard this session, this episode is a great starting point. For more information, visit the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas's website, HealthyKansas.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube at HealthyKansasOrg.

42 min
11/19/2025

What's Really in H.R. 1? An Economist Explains

In this episode of Health in the 34th, we’re joined by Nathan Kessler, Principal Economist at Kansas Action for Children, to break down the real tax implications of H.R. 1, otherwise known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed this summer. Nathan walks us through what Kansas families can expect when they file their taxes next spring and why more than 25,000 Kansas children stand to lose their federal child tax credit under the law’s new eligibility rules. He also explains how H.R. 1 might lead to higher interest rates for all of us, and what Kansans should be paying attention to as we head into the upcoming Kansas legislative session. If you are looking for a clear, accessible breakdown of how federal tax changes could impact Kansas families, budgets, and the broader economy, this episode is a must-listen.

35 min
10/22/2025

SNAP Changes in Kansas: What's at Stake for Families and Communities

Big changes are coming to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and some take effect as soon as November 1. In this episode of Health in the 34th, we break down what Kansans need to know with special guest Haley Kottler, Thriving Campaign Director for Kansas Appleseed. In this episode we cover: How SNAP works and who is enrolled in the programWhat changes Kansans can expect in the coming monthsThe connection between SNAP and rural grocery storesKansas's long history with SNAP, andWhat new work requirements could mean for Kansas families.Haley also shares practical ways Kansans can take action and support their neighbors as these changes take hold. For a printable PDF of changes coming to SNAP, Medicaid, the ACA Marketplace, and tax policy, download: https://expandkancare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Updated_bus-tour-handout-PDF.pdf

46 min
09/24/2025

Changes to Health Care: What to Know Now

In this episode of Health in the 34th, we break down the sweeping health care changes packed into H.R. 1, also known as the "Big Beautiful Bill" passed this summer. What exactly is in it?How will it change the way Kansans access care, pay for treatment, and navigate coverage in the years ahead?When can you expect to see the effects of the bill?We take a look at the real-world impact on families, health care providers, and communities across the state. From more administrative "red tape" to questions about affordability and access, we'll help you understand what's coming and how you can prepare for it. For more about the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, visit us at ExpandKanCare.com. We're also on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and BlueSky.

37 min
04/23/2025

Things to Know & Do Right Now

There is a lot going on in the world of health both in Kansas and at the federal level. We are here to give you the things you should know right now, and three things you can do to make a difference starting today. Topics include: Federal threats to Medicaid, including who is at risk of losing coverage and some sneakier ways Congress might make them happen;Kansas Legislative wrap up, including a win and two new laws to keep an eye on (especially in the midst of Measles and Tuberculosis outbreaks); andChanges in Health Insurance Marketplace coverage and new polling showing the popularity of Medicaid.If you are looking for things to do to make a difference, we recommend the following: Make sure your Congressional representatives know how you feel about Medicaid cuts. Now is the time to reach out before they return to Washington, DC, on April 28.Find a time to connect with your state representatives while they are back home this summer and fall. Bills introduced this year are still up for debate next year, so make sure they hear from you.Sign and share the petition to reject cuts to Medicaid. You can find the petition pinned to the Alliance's profile pages on Facebook, Instagram and BlueSky (@ExpandKanCare everywhere).

43 min
03/21/2025

2025 Rally for Health Care

The 2025 Rally for Health Care took place March 12 at the Kansas Capitol. On this episode we bring you the full audio from the Rally, with immersive audio so you can experience the excitement and energy that was in the room. Speakers at the rally included: April Holman, Executive Director of the Alliance for a Healthy KansasMelinda McDaniel, Wichita resident who lives in the coverage gapShari Coatney, President & CEO of SKIL Resource Center in southeast KansasBecky Fast, Executive Director of the Kansas Chapter of the National Association of Social WorkersKansas Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David TolandJohn Wilson, President & CEO of Kansas Action for ChildrenMake sure you are subscribed to email updates so you can stay in touch with action alerts for protecting Medicaid and Medicaid expansion in Kansas. Sign up at ExpandKanCare.com. Find us on social media: @ExpandKanCare on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & BlueSky

57 min
02/26/2025

Get Caught Up

In this week's episode we take a look at what has happened recently in the health policy at the state and federal levels. Some highlights: Medicaid expansion bills introduced in the Kansas House and SenateThree votes in the Kansas Legislature on Medicaid expansionFederal budget reconciliation proposals that would result in severe cuts to MedicaidThere is still time to call your Congressional representatives and tell them: No Cuts to Medicaid! You can use the following hotline number and they'll help connect you with the right office: 1-866-426-2631. Join us for the Rally for Medicaid Expansion happening March 12, 2025, at 12:30pm at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka. More information at ExpandKanCare.com.

47 min

5

out of 5

4 Ratings

Kansas is one of only 10 states in the U.S. who hasn't expanded its Medicaid program yet. Join hosts from the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas to discuss the latest topics in Health in Kansas, the 34th state, including Medicaid expansion, the rise of medical debt, preserving rural health care, and other ways we can get access to affordable health care to our friends, family and neighbors in the Sunflower State.

Creator

Alliance for a Healthy Kansas
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

33
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Alliance for a Healthy Kansas 2024
Show Website

Health in the 34th