hospitals

22-year-old Larry Black, Jr. arrived at a St. Louis hospital after getting shot in the head. A week later, he was taken to surgery to have his organs removed for donation — even though his heart was beating and his family had doubts. Today, Black is alive and haunted by what almost happened.

About 90,000 people spent months in limbo as central Missouri's major medical provider fought over insurance contracts. These disputes between insurers and hospitals are a recurring problem.

Boone County residents questioned Republican Rep. Mark Alford about his vote for Medicaid cuts in the "Big Beautiful Bill," Trump's deployment of the National Guard, and other GOP priorities.

Health care leaders worry rural hospitals could be hit hard by Medicaid spending reductions in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." In the Midwest and Great Plains, Oklahoma and Kansas could face the highest risk of hospital closures and service reductions.

The new federal law is expected to eliminate $1 trillion in federal spending on Medicaid over the next decade. University Health in Kansas City, which counts on Medicaid for more than half of its patient revenue, expects a huge financial hit but vows that cutting services and staff will be the last resort.

President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” cuts about $1 trillion in federal Medicaid funding. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley helped push for the inclusion of money for rural hospitals, but experts say it's just "a drop in the bucket" — and could force even more providers to close.

Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas said he made changes to the Senate’s version of the Trump administration's reconciliation bill to soften the blow of Medicaid cuts on Kansas hospitals. But health care advocates say it won’t be enough.

The Missouri Hospital Association strongly opposed a plan to cap medical provider taxes at 3.5 percent. The tax helps hospitals, nursing homes and pharmacies pay to treat low-income patients.

Missouri's House Speaker declined to sign a letter calling for passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill," citing its potential impact on the state's Medicaid program. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley said the latest proposal "needs work."

Health plans often limit physical therapy to 20 or 30 sessions, even for people who may need months of treatment, multiple times a week, after severe accidents or health conditions. They're stuck paying out of pocket for the rest of the sessions they need to return to work or caring for kids.

The Department of Mental Health said the number of people waiting in jail to be transferred to psychiatric hospitals will continue to rise because inpatient beds are at capacity. A new hospital is planned in Kansas City, but it could be years before construction is complete.

The University of Kansas Health System now owns its smaller Missouri neighbor. The deal, which sparked political opposition in both states, reflects a growing trend of hospitals merging.