How expanding Medicaid would help rural hospitals and communities like Hays

Medicaid expansion would provide insurance for approximately 700 people in Ellis County. Not just that — expansion will create approximately 200 new jobs in our community, and inject about $6 million into our local economy.

By EDWARD HERRMAN - FOR THE KANSAS REFLECTOR

April 25, 2024 - 3:17 PM

Hays Medical Center, like rural hospitals across Kansas, has lost millions in unpaid bills due to patients not having health insurance. Last week, Congress approved cutting $1 trillion from Medicaid, ensuring the road ahead for rural hospitals is bleak.

I’ve served as CEO of Hays Medical Center for seven years. Our hospital has served the city of Hays, Ellis County and the surrounding region for 33 years. Our entire Northwest Health Alliance network of critical access hospitals, including HaysMed, would benefit from Medicaid Expansion. So would the city and county.

There’s no reason why we should delay expansion — 40 other states have already done this.

How would the people of Hays and Ellis County benefit from expansion? Here’s how:

Medicaid Expansion would provide insurance for approximately 700 people…

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