Petition Drive Begins to Get Medicaid Expansion in Missouri

Groups hoping to bring Medicaid expansion to Missouri have officially started a campaign to get the issue on the 2020 ballot.

Healthcare for Missouri, a campaign committee, announced Wednesday that it would commit to putting the question before voters. The group formed in March to explore whether an initiative petition was feasible.

Missouri’s Medicaid program, MO HealthNet, insures only children, pregnant women, those with disabilities and some seniors.

The committee said expansion could provide coverage to another 200,000 Missourians.

The Kansas City Star reports signature collection has begun and signing events are scheduled in Kansas City, St. Louis and Jefferson City. Supporters need to submit 172,000 valid signatures to the secretary of state to get the issue on the ballot.