Media Release - iVantage® Health Analytics, a leading national provider of health care analytics and decision support tools, released its 2016 Hospital Strength INDEX Study this week, which assessed and benchmarked rural and Critical Access Hospital performance. Of the 107 rural hospitals in Kansas, 31 are classified as vulnerable and “at risk” of closure, according to the study. Last year, Kansas had 17 at-risk hospitals, according to the study. Nationally, 67 hospitals have closed since 2010.

The U.S. Supreme Court released their ruling in favor of Sec. Burwell in the recent federal
lawsuit challenging the U.S. Treasury regulation. The Court validated the use of federal subsidies under the Affordable Care Act in states, like Kansas, that have a federal exchange. Therefore, the approximately 78,000 Kansans who are eligible to receive federal subsidies when purchasing insurance through the federal exchange may continue to do so.

The Kansas Hospital Association is pleased to announce that the Kansas Hospital Education and Research Foundation has received pledges from 75 Kansas hospitals committed to examining their current food and beverage practices. These hospitals will consider new policies that provide healthier food options in the hospital cafeteria and throughout the facility. This enhanced access to healthy food aims to positively impact hospital employees, patients and visitors.

The ultimate goal of the project is to identify a financially sustainable model that can provide access to essential health services within a reasonable distance, while encouraging collaboration between local and regional providers.

More than two-thirds of Kansas voters support the proposed expansion of the state’s Medicaid program, KanCare, which will cover 160,000 individuals with an income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. An April statewide public opinion poll shows that majorities across all political parties favor KanCare expansion.

New report demonstrates net savings and details consequences without expansion. See report and summary brief.

Media KanCare Expansion - Jessica Franco Story

Media KanCare Expansion - Kelly Brown Story

Two independent reports released earlier this year highlight the negative financial impact of failing to expand Medicaid on states’ economies. Comparing the costs of Medicaid expansion with the flow of federal highway subsidies and defense contracts, as well as the amount each state spends on attracting private businesses, The Commonwealth Fund concludes that Medicaid expansion benefits a state’s economy, and its financial benefits far outweigh the state’s cost of participating. Another study by

KHA Media Release - The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network released a public opinion poll that revealed registered voters in Kansas strongly agree that the state should accept federal funds that are available to broaden access to health coverage through KanCare, the program under which Medicaid is administered in Kansas. By a margin of 72 percent to 24 percent, Kansas voters support such a move, which would provide more low-income Kansans with access to health care services.