Champions Working to Ensure Affordable Healthcare for All Missourians

As Missourians take part in actions across the state this week, it is important to note there are passionate champions of Medicaid expansion at work in the legislature.

In the Senate, Paul LeVota (D-Independence) and Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur) have both filed bills to expand Medicaid to Missourians who are in the coverage gap. LeVota's bill, SB 90, and Schupp's bill, SB 125, have both been referred to the Veterans' Affairs and Health Committee.

“If we look around the nation we see this is not a partisan issue, but instead an issue of compassion and human decency. Republicans and Democrats alike have come together in other states to expand coverage to families who desperately need affordable access to care. It is time for Missouri to put aside the political rhetoric and do what is right for 300,000 Missourians whose lives would be dramatically improved by Medicaid expansion.” -Schupp

In the House, Minority Leader Jacob Hummel (D-St. Louis) has filed HB 825 to expand Mediaid.

“As a result of the majority party’s stubbornness, many Missourians have fallen into a coverage gap in which they earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford private insurance. The General Assembly has the power to close that gap and help thousands of Missourians.” -Hummel

Representatives Kimberly Gardner (D-St. Louis), Michele Kratky (D-St. Louis), Jeremy LaFaver (D-Kansas City), Gina Mitten (D-St. Louis), John Rizzo (D-Kansas City), and Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) have also filed bills and resolutions in support of Medicaid expansion. Judy Morgan introduced an amendment on the floor of the House to expand Medicaid, after which Rep. Deb Lavender gave a particularly powerful speech in support of those caught in the coverage gap.

It's time for the Missouri legislature to follow the lead of these lawmakers and take action on Medicaid expansion.