As the debate continues with the Senate Republican bill to replace the Affordable Care Act, some Kansas school districts are concerned about cuts to Medicaid.
“We need all the funding we can get," said Katie McClure. "Special needs kids cost a lot more than any other child."
McClure is a mother of three boys with special needs.
You may be wondering what Medicaid and the Senate healthcare bill have to do with education.
“If we did not have that, we would not be able to function. He would not be able to function," said McClure.
Public schools in Kansas use Medicaid money to fund special transportation, language therapy along with trained staff for special needs students.
According to the Kansas Department of Health this year public schools used $49 million in Medicaid funds.
“Unfortunately, we do depend on that but it's the economy and that's how it is," said McClure.
The health department says Kansas City Kansas Public Schools used $4 million.
Shawnee Mission Public Schools used about $1.6 million and Olathe Public Schools used $2 million.
Opponents of the Senate Republican healthcare plan say the proposed cuts to Medicaid could possibly put a strain on school districts.
“It's going to make me very upset. It is going to hurt a lot of people especially people who are in tougher situations that I am," said McClure.
But supporters of the Republican plan say it will create block grants. Giving individual states the power to spend money where state leaders think there is a need.
Supporters also say the bill will help cut down on fraud, waste and abuse.
The Senate is on break for the July 4 holiday. Soon they will continue negotiating before a vote.
