9 March 2005

Governor Sebelius’ Statement on House Rejection of Health Care Reform

Governor Kathleen Sebelius released the following statement at a press conference today after the Kansas House rejected health care reform (Executive Reorganization Order 33).

TOPEKA – “This afternoon, most Republicans in the Kansas House of Representatives turned their backs on hundreds of thousands of Kansans who deserve the best possible health care possible at the lowest possible cost. I am disappointed that we have missed a great opportunity to do the right thing.

“A Healthy Kansas requires that our citizens and our business owners know that we will act responsibly by getting the most from every dollar spent on health care.

“Unfortunately, today’s vote to reject health care reform –and that’s exactly what it was– means that our children, our families, and our elderly will have more difficulty in affording a doctor’s care or purchasing crucial medicines.

“My proposed reforms would have made Kansas health care more efficient, more powerful in negotiating with the federal government and with drug companies, and more responsive to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. This plan had the full support of more than 100 organizations within the health care community, and no opposition was voiced from this community.

“Kansans will only conclude that the House’s action was purely political. And they know that affordable, accessible health care is a cornerstone of a prosperous state.

“Unfortunately, the House Republicans have chosen partisanship over practical, immediate reforms.

“No single proposal can cure all health care problems, but this reform was a great start – a first step toward a highly consumer-oriented health care system that operates in a business-like fashion and establishes the most effective, most accountable Medicaid program possible.

“It was also a first step that did not cost Kansans one cent and promised long-term savings through a streamlined system.

“I urge the Legislature to turn its own health care concepts into an actual plan that will increase efficiency, reduce costs, and insure health care coverage to all Kansans who need it. We face serious cuts in Medicaid and need to respond in a timely, effective way.

“The time to act is now, and I stand ready to work with all legislators to make health care reform a reality.”