Missouri, Kansas face Medicaid cuts affecting thousands Missouri and Kansas are preparing for significant Medicaid budget adjustments as new federal rules threaten to reduce coverage for hundreds of thousands of residents. The changes, set to take effect in 2027, include stricter work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks, which are expected to lead to a nationwide loss of Medicaid coverage for approximately 5.3 million people, according to estimates from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The federal policy shift is already placing financial strain on state budgets. Over the next decade, Medicaid budgets across the U.S. are projected to shrink by $664 billion due to cuts mandated by last year’s Republican-led budget law. This reduction comes amid rising medical costs and slower-than-expected tax collections, which have forced state lawmakers to confront difficult decisions about how to manage Medicaid spending. Medicaid typically accounts for about 30% of a state’s budget, creating pressure to either cut expenses or find new revenue sources. In Missouri, the impact is expected to be substantial. According to an analysis by the Missouri Budget Project, around 170,000 residents could lose Medicaid coverage after the new rules take effect. In Kansas, the number is smaller but still significant, with approximately 13,000 people projected to be affected, based on research from the REACH Healthcare Foundation. State lawmakers have already taken steps to address these challenges. In February, Missouri legislators approved $76.7 million in general revenue to fund Medicaid expansion, marking the first time state funds have been used to support the voter-approved program.#kansas #missouri #kaiser_family_foundation #missouri_budget_project #reach_healthcare_foundation
