What's ahead for Kansas lawmakers in 2026? In this episode we are joined by Sean Gatewood of Sunflower Public Affairs to break down how the Kansas Legislature works, what to watch during this shortened session, and how Kansans can get involved in the process in real time.

We dig into the committees to watch and the big issues likely to dominate the session, including the state budget, proposed cuts, and health concerns like Medicaid and Medicaid expansion.

We also give tips on clear ways to get involved in the legislative process, including the best ways to contact your legislators and provide testimony when it matters the most.

If you want to stay informed and make your voice heard this session, this episode is a great starting point.

For more information, visit the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas's website, HealthyKansas.org. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube at HealthyKansasOrg.

In this episode of Health in the 34th, we’re joined by Nathan Kessler, Principal Economist at Kansas Action for Children, to break down the real tax implications of H.R. 1, otherwise known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed this summer.

Nathan walks us through what Kansas families can expect when they file their taxes next spring and why more than 25,000 Kansas children stand to lose their federal child tax credit under the law’s new eligibility rules. He also explains how H.R. 1 might lead to higher interest rates for all of us, and what Kansans should be paying attention to as we head into the upcoming Kansas legislative session.

If you are looking for a clear, accessible breakdown of how federal tax changes could impact Kansas families, budgets, and the broader economy, this episode is a must-listen.

Big changes are coming to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and some take effect as soon as November 1. In this episode of Health in the 34th, we break down what Kansans need to know with special guest Haley Kottler, Thriving Campaign Director for Kansas Appleseed.

In this episode we cover:

• How SNAP works and who is enrolled in the program
• What changes Kansans can expect in the coming months
• The connection between SNAP and rural grocery stores
• Kansas's long history with SNAP, and
• What new work requirements could mean for Kansas families.

Haley also shares practical ways Kansans can take action and support their neighbors as these changes take hold.

For a printable PDF of changes coming to SNAP, Medicaid, the ACA Marketplace, and tax policy, download: https://expandkancare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Updated_bus-tour-handout-PDF.pdf

In this episode of Health in the 34th, we break down the sweeping health care changes packed into H.R. 1, also known as the "Big Beautiful Bill" passed this summer.

• What exactly is in it?
• How will it change the way Kansans access care, pay for treatment, and navigate coverage in the years ahead?
• When can you expect to see the effects of the bill?

We take a look at the real-world impact on families, health care providers, and communities across the state.

From more administrative "red tape" to questions about affordability and access, we'll help you understand what's coming and how you can prepare for it.

For more about the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, visit us at ExpandKanCare.com. We're also on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and BlueSky.

There is a lot going on in the world of health both in Kansas and at the federal level. We are here to give you the things you should know right now, and three things you can do to make a difference starting today. Topics include:

• Federal threats to Medicaid, including who is at risk of losing coverage and some sneakier ways Congress might make them happen;
• Kansas Legislative wrap up, including a win and two new laws to keep an eye on (especially in the midst of Measles and Tuberculosis outbreaks); and
• Changes in Health Insurance Marketplace coverage and new polling showing the popularity of Medicaid.

If you are looking for things to do to make a difference, we recommend the following:

• Make sure your Congressional representatives know how you feel about Medicaid cuts. Now is the time to reach out before they return to Washington, DC, on April 28.
• Find a time to connect with your state representatives while they are back home this summer and fall. Bills introduced this year are still up for debate next year, so make sure they hear from you.
• Sign and share the petition to reject cuts to Medicaid. You can find the petition pinned to the Alliance's profile pages on Facebook, Instagram and BlueSky (@ExpandKanCare everywhere).

The 2025 Rally for Health Care took place March 12 at the Kansas Capitol. On this episode we bring you the full audio from the Rally, with immersive audio so you can experience the excitement and energy that was in the room. Speakers at the rally included:

• April Holman, Executive Director of the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas
• Melinda McDaniel, Wichita resident who lives in the coverage gap
• Shari Coatney, President & CEO of SKIL Resource Center in southeast Kansas
• Becky Fast, Executive Director of the Kansas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers
• Kansas Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland
• John Wilson, President & CEO of Kansas Action for Children

Make sure you are subscribed to email updates so you can stay in touch with action alerts for protecting Medicaid and Medicaid expansion in Kansas. Sign up at ExpandKanCare.com. Find us on social media: @ExpandKanCare on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & BlueSky

In this week's episode we take a look at what has happened recently in the health policy at the state and federal levels. Some highlights:

• Medicaid expansion bills introduced in the Kansas House and Senate
• Three votes in the Kansas Legislature on Medicaid expansion
• Federal budget reconciliation proposals that would result in severe cuts to Medicaid

There is still time to call your Congressional representatives and tell them: No Cuts to Medicaid! You can use the following hotline number and they'll help connect you with the right office: 1-866-426-2631.

Join us for the Rally for Medicaid Expansion happening March 12, 2025, at 12:30pm at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka. More information at ExpandKanCare.com.

A recent report from the Georgetown Center for Children and Families showed how critical Medicaid coverage is for rural communities in Kansas. At all stages of life, more rural Kansans rely on Medicaid than those who live in urban or suburban areas.

In this episode we talk with Adrienne Olejnik, Vice President of Kansas Action for Children (KAC), about the report and what it means for Kansans who live in rural communities. We also cover more recent topics, including:

• The recent federal freeze on Medicaid and social assistance programs;
• Food insecurity and health care needs of Kansas children; and
• Policy initiatives that KAC are supporting this legislative session.

To find out more about Kansas Action for Children, visit them at kac.org.

To find out more about the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas, Medicaid expansion, or other Kansas health advocacy work, visit us at ExpandKanCare.com, or find us @ExpandKanCare on most social media platforms.

Happy New Year! The 2025 Kansas Legislative Session began this week, so in this episode we do a deep dive into who will be setting laws in Kansas after last fall's elections. We are thrilled to welcome our colleague Sean Gatewood, who specializes in advocacy work, to give us his detailed insights.

In this episode we cover:

• Who are the key Kansas legislators in setting the agenda in the House and Senate?
• What committees are most likely to hear health policy and who sit on those committees?
• How can advocates get a head start in advocating for health policies they care the most about?

Be sure to join our email list at ExpandKanCare.com to stay up to date on health policy in Kansas and to receive Action Alerts about steps you can take to advocate for a healthy Kansas. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!

Most of the results from the November 5, 2024, election are in! In this episode, we talk about what the election results mean in Kansas and on the federal level, and things that health advocates should keep an eye on, including:

• Possible attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare
• Possible changes to Medicaid
• The layout of the new Kansas Legislature, and what that means for advocacy work

Please continue to stay tuned in and connected with us as our advocacy work will be more important than ever in the upcoming years.

*A scheduling note: this will be the final episode of Health in the 34th until the first week of January. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you'll know as soon as the next episode drops.