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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Report: Rural Kansas would bear brunt of proposed Medicare cuts

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025   

Proposals by some congressional Republicans call for almost $2.5 trillion dollars in cuts to Medicaid, known as Kan-Care in Kansas. A new report from Georgetown University finds the cuts would hit rural areas harder than big cities. Almost 30% of children in Kansas rely on Kan-Care - about 32% in rural areas and 28% in urban ones.

Benjamin Anderson, CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, says large-scale cuts would make it harder for low-income people to get a doctor's appointment.

"Medicaid supports moms, kids and older adults, especially. Cuts to Medicaid mean fewer providers are able to sustain receiving patients that have Medicaid," he explained. "Fewer poor people will be able to access care."

More than 871,000 Kansans, or almost 30% of the population, live in rural areas. The report also found that about 9% of non-elderly adults in Kansas rely on Kan-Care, and more than 10% in rural areas. Advocates are concerned that cuts could push more rural hospitals to close or eliminate costly maternity care services.

Joan Alker, director of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University and report lead author, suggests the public might be caught off guard because the program was not discussed on the campaign trail last fall.

"There was complete silence about it, despite the fact that it is the largest source of public coverage by far in the United States. It's also a very popular program with the voters of all political stripes," she said,

The need for healthcare does not diminish regardless of funding levels. So, if Congress slashes the Medicaid budget, Kansas would either have to make up the difference by diverting state tax dollars, or cut funding to community clinics.


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