IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007

For Information Contac:
Rep. Jeff Colyer, MD
785/296-7667 or 913/338-5600

Rep. Peggy Mast
785/296-7685

Topeka – Members of the Kansas House Republican Task Force on Health Care today unveiled their plan to help more Kansans get the medical coverage needed.

Abover: With the House Republican Caucus standing behing him, Rep. Jeff Colyer explains the KanCare Plan.

“We have big issues with health care in Kansas. There is a lack of market competition, skyrocketing costs, and thousands of uninsured children.  Our health care system is not well, and if we don’t pass major legislation this year, we will further harm the health of Kansans and cost the taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Committee Chairman Rep. Jeff Colyer, MD (R-Overland Park).  “Our approach preserves the safety net thousands of Kansans depend upon while reducing the number of uninsured and expanding the private sector rather than adding more government programs.”

Task Force Members developed KanCare, a four-part health care plan that uses market forces to expand coverage, limit costs, improve quality, and guarantee long-term stability for all Kansans.

• Make Commercial Insurance more affordable
• KanInsure: Transitions Medicaid and uninsured patients into the private market using targeted approaches.
• Medicaid Reform – New MediKan
• Strengthen Charity Care

“We studied varied approaches other states are taking to solve their health care issues as well as the governor’s proposed expansion of Medicaid in our state,” said Task Force Vice-Chairman Rep. Peggy Mast (R-Emporia).  “KanCare will give our great state the health care stability it needs and deserves.”

Right: Speaker Neufeld answers a question about the KanCare Plan.

Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) appointed the task force to find ways to make Kansas healthier by assisting individuals in taking care of their own health.

“Availability, affordability and portability are key to bringing our state's health care system into the 21st century," said Majority Leader Merrick.  "The task force's knowledge of health, insurance, Medicaid and taxation has aided them in crafting a long term plan that addresses the issues most central to the health care system for all Kansans.”

Task Force Members include: Rep. Jeff Colyer, M.D. Chairman; Rep. Peggy Mast, Vice-Chair; Rep. Bob Bethell, Rep. Terrie Huntington, Rep. Mike Kiegerl, Rep. Jeff King, Rep. Brenda Landwehr,  Rep. Ray Merrick, Rep. Melvin Neufeld, Rep. Mike O’Neal, Rep. Clark Shultz, Rep. Kenny Wilk, and Rep. Kevin Yoder.

Read more about KanCare for a healthly Kansas.

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