Opinion: As Kansas considers restricting food and medical assistance even further, think of those in need

Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, follows floor action at the Statehouse on Feb. 5, 2026, in Topeka. (Photo by Grace Hills for Kansas Reflector)

By Rebecca Phillps

Special to the Kansas Reflector

I recently read about Senate Bill 363, which would add complications and hurdles to Kansans receiving Medicaid and food assistance. Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, introduced this bill. It’s been discussed by the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency.

First of all, KanCare is difficult enough to navigate for those who have disabilities or other needs to keep up with.

The KanCare clearinghouse is way out at Forbes Field. Folks can’t just drive downtown to the Department for Children and Families offices and discuss their KanCare case. It’s done by mail, phone or fax.

Secondly, there is annual renewal for KanCare. With the horrible mail service these days, some people are having a difficult time receiving their annual renewal information on time or returning it in time — even if they try their hardest and give it their all. Many have already lost KanCare coverage due to such complications.

SB 363 would require KanCare recipients to recertify every three months, among other things, and would also add challenges to food assistance. Imagine if legislators had to recertify their health insurance every three months. For that matter, imagine if anyone else had to do that. Such requirements would cause anxiety and panic.

Medicaid is not a benefit received by people who don’t really deserve it. KanCare is their lifeline.

The program is a lifeline for families and children and seniors. Minds Matter CEO Janet Williams advocates for her clients with traumatic brain injuries. She said this bill would cause great harm. I agree. I don’t believe it is efficient. It would add a huge administrative burden to the state of Kansas and panic recipients every three months.

Such changes aren’t even possible, to tell the truth. The clearinghouse has too much to deal with as it is. It doesn’t need more. I think we have taken this idea of government efficiency too far. This bill adds a burden to state of Kansas workers and the vulnerable citizens of Kansas, making programs less efficient overall.

I often ask myself, “What would Jesus do?”

I think He would offer a cup of cold water to people who are thirsty. He would not add extra drama and trauma to their already difficult lives. I believe God loves all Kansans, no matter their income level. We can’t make government so itty-bitty that we have nothing left.

I see people with disabilities every day. I see their needs and their hopes and dreams. Let’s reach out to these folks and make their lives easier, not harder. Let’s ask: “What if I were in their shoes?” The time is now to think for ourselves. Lives depend on it.

Rebecca Lyn Phillips is a published author, speaker and mental health advocate. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.

This article was republished with permission from the Kansas Reflector. The Kansas Reflector is a non-profit online news organization serving Kansas. For more information on the organization, go to its website at www.kansasreflector.com.