Medicaid Cuts Threaten Rural Hospitals in Missouri, Experts Warn

Washington D.C. and Hermann, Mo. – Proposed Medicaid cuts, part of a legislative package dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill" aligned with President Trump's agenda, are sparking significant concern among healthcare providers and politicians, particularly regarding their potential impact on rural hospitals. Dr. Michael Rothermich, a healthcare provider in Hermann, Missouri, expressed his apprehension, stating, "To suddenly change it without identifying a way to pick up those lost funds is going to leave a lot of patients, providers, facilities without appropriate funding to take care of the patients that need our care." He emphasized the critical role of Medicaid in supporting healthcare services in underserved areas. Karen White, CEO of Missouri Highlands Health Care in Ellington, Mo., highlighted the existing challenges faced by rural healthcare. "We've lost three hospitals in the last ten years in our region," White noted, adding, "We will see loss of life, maybe not immediate, but if chronic conditions go untreated." Her remarks underscore the fragility of the rural healthcare system. Capitol Hill correspondent Julie Tsirkin traveled to Missouri to assess the on-the-ground reality, speaking with patients and providers. She explained that while proponents of the cuts claim to be targeting "waste, fraud and abuse," the consequences could be severe. "It could all lead to patients losing access to care, not having care until they’re sick and need it as an emergency," Tsirkin reported. She also warned of the potential for providers, already stretched thin, to go unpaid. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) echoed these concerns from Washington D.C. "Half of my hospitals in Missouri are rural hospitals. We can't shut those down," Senator Hawley asserted. "People won't have anywhere to go to get care." His comments reflect a bipartisan concern for the accessibility of healthcare in rural areas. The debate over these proposed changes continues as lawmakers weigh the potential financial savings against the vital services provided by rural hospitals.