~~Access to health care in rural areas continues to shrink
The Kansas Legislature hasn't expanded Medicaid yet.
Topeka— Today, Governor Laura Kelly issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Care Ark Health Clinic in Eureka will be closing at the end of this month.
“The closure of yet another rural health care provider shows why we must immediately expand Medicaid. Now, Kansans who relied on Care Ark Health Clinics are receiving basic care. Expanding Medicaid will help clinics hire the workers they need to continue serving patients. , which may have helped maintain it.
“How many more rural hospitals, clinics, and emergency rooms will have to close before the Kansas Legislature takes Medicaid expansion seriously? We have proposed common-sense legislation to support rural health care providers, but legislative leaders have been slow to even consider this proposal. To this end, I once again urge you to hold a public hearing on the Kansan Statewide Health Care Cost Reduction Act as soon as possible.”
Here's how Medicaid expansion supports rural health care.
- Health centers in states that expanded Medicaid have higher revenues, greater operational capacity, and more financial stability than health centers in states that did not expand Medicaid. These centers are more likely to have more locations, serve more patients, and offer behavioral health and vision services.
- Studies have shown that federally qualified health centers and community health centers, such as Care Ark Health Clinics, saw an increase in revenue after Medicaid expansion. Additionally, one study found that states that expanded Medicaid experienced higher salary growth for primary care providers than states that did not expand Medicaid.
Kansans can express support for Medicaid expansion by contacting the state Legislature here.
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