Healthcare Disparities

What's helping Missouri kids thrive – and what's holding some of them back? A new report points to gains in economic well-being, alongside challenges in education and health coverage.

Missouri healthcare workers say proposed federal healthcare cuts could create serious financial uncertainty for hospital employees and patients, while supporters of the plan argue it would get government spending in check, while improve border security.

Some of Missouri’s rural hospitals are fighting to survive. Eleven have already closed, and more than 30 are still at risk. Nationwide, more than 150 rural hospitals have closed since 2010.

More Missouri kids are losing health coverage. A new Georgetown report says the child uninsured rate nationwide just hit its highest level in nearly a decade - and Missouri is among the states seeing a sharp increase.

New Medicaid work rules are raising fears among many Missourians about losing health insurance. Under the new federal budget bill, adults on Medicaid expansion will have to prove 80 hours of work or volunteer time each month. However, health experts say Medicaid backlog is the real issue.

A new report reveals that Missouri’s public health agencies are not sharing information effectively, and fixing this could improve healthcare for residents. This is the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' first report on the state’s digital health system, identifying key areas for better sharing and use of health data.

The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families has released an eye-opening analysis showing in rural Missouri, Medicaid, and CHIP are lifelines for residents, especially children, and local economies. It says proposed federal Medicaid cuts being debated in Congress could be devastating.

The Missouri Foundation for Health unveiled two crucial "Speak up Missouri" reports, shedding light on the major challenges Missourians encounter in accessing affordable care. Data reveals hardships and disparities in healthcare access and the burden of rising costs.

Missouri sees a disproportionate impact of strokes and other health conditions on women, particularly Black women. Advocates say addressing challenges such as limited access to healthy food options, better resources in underserved communities and timely stroke care are key.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Congress has passed a bipartisan boost in funding to community health centers in Missouri and across the nation.