We generally keep our focus on Kansas, on the statewide politics that happen in Topeka, that affect all Kansans. But when the occasion warrants, we will take on national issues, especially if they affect our state and communities directly. The American Health Care Act (AHCA) stumbling its way through Congress is one such issue.

Access to health care, being healthy, being able to care for the health of yourself, your family, your loved ones, is a human right. To consider it a profit center, a business, with its attendant "acceptable losses" is unacceptable, as those "losses" are human lives. Especially as health care is outlined in the AHCA—or its Senate equivalent, the Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA)—if you cannot pay, you do not deserve the right to be healthy. Some national politicians have gone so far as to suggest that if you have a pre-existing condition, then you have not been living right, and higher costs are your lot. (Source) And our own Kansas Congressman Roger Marshall said that the poor don't want health care. (Source)

But this stance, that being healthy is part of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," although held by the majority of Americans, will get one labeled a socialist, or worse (and confusingly) a fascist.

So let us look at it from a different angle. If the AHCA—or the BCRA—passes, even in a watered down form that some like Kansas' Senator Moran could see supporting, Kansas could see reductions in rural health care options, more hospital closures, and curtailed services for seniors, and the working poor. In addition, if Kansas chooses to save more by taking available waivers for "essential care," Kansans would see costs rise for "conditions" like pregnancy. And as if that were not enough, public schools are required by law to provide services for students, including speech services, occupational therapy, or physical therapy if needed. Right now, they are refunded by the government. These bills would remove that refund. In USD 383, in Manhattan, KS, that amounts to $800,000 a year. With all the travails getting even a little more money for education, where will we find these additional funds?

Here's a little light reading:

• Here’s how Medicaid changes in GOP health bills might affect Kansas and Missouri - KC Star
• KHI: Analysis of the U.S. Senate health bill; potential impact in Kansas - Kansas Health Institute (.pdf)
• Report: GOP bills would mean lost jobs, revenue for rural Kansas hospitals - Wichita Eagle
• USD 383: AHCA could cost district $800K - Manhattan Mercury
• Community protests AHCA - Pittsburg (KS) Morning Sun

So, what can we do? What we always suggest, get informed, get involved make a difference. Call your Kansas Congressional legislators, your Senator and your Representative. Not sure who represents you? Find out at govtrack.us

Then call. Here are local phone numbers and a script from our partners at Alliance for a Healthy Kansas.

Remember to do more than vote.