Latest News On Missouri

Latest KFF Health News Stories

When Hospitals and Insurers Fight, Patients Get Caught in the Middle

KFF Health News Original

About 90,000 people spent months in limbo as central Missouri’s major, and often only, provider fought over insurance contracts. Patients getting caught in the crossfire of disputes has become a familiar complication, as about 8% of hospitals have left an insurer network since 2021. Trump administration policies could accelerate the trend.

An Insurer Agreed To Cover Her Surgery. A Politician’s Nudge Got the Bills Paid.

KFF Health News Original

A kindergartner in Missouri needed eye surgery. Her insurer granted approval for her to see a specialist nearby, yet her parents were confused when they still owed more than $13,000. Then her uncle, a former state senator, reached out to a colleague who contacted the hospital and the insurer.

Planned Parenthood Bets on Redistricting To Push Back Against GOP Funding Cuts

KFF Health News Original

Alarmed at Republicans’ deep cuts to health care and restrictions on reproductive rights, advocates are supporting California’s effort to counter a mid-decade gerrymander by the Texas GOP to pad their party’s fragile U.S. House majority.

$50B Rural Health ‘Slush Fund’ Faces Questions, Skepticism

KFF Health News Original

Lawmakers added a $50 billion program for rural health to President Donald Trump’s massive tax and spending package with promises it would help plug the hole left by Medicaid cuts. Rural hospital and clinic leaders worry the infusion won’t reach the right places.

Who’s Policing Opioid Settlement Spending? A Crowdsourced Database Might Help

KFF Health News Original

Billions in opioid settlement money was meant to be spent on treating and preventing addiction — but what happens if it’s misspent? Some advocates say attorneys general need to pay closer attention. If they don’t, a new tool might empower the public.

To Keep Medicaid, Mom Caring for Disabled Adult Son Faces Prospect of Proving She Works

KFF Health News Original

A proposed work requirement would make Medicaid expansion enrollees prove they’re working or meet other criteria. Most already work, but millions are expected to lose coverage if the provision passes, many from red tape. A Missouri mother who cares for her disabled son would probably be subject to the rule.

GOP Governors Mum as Congress Moves To Slash Medicaid Spending for Their States

KFF Health News Original

In 2017, when President Donald Trump tried to repeal Obamacare and roll back Medicaid coverage, Republican governors helped turn Congress against it. Now, as Trump tries again to scale back Medicaid, Republican governors — whose constituents stand to lose federal funding and health coverage — have gone quiet on the health consequences.

Trump Decried Crime in America, Then Gutted Funding for Gun Violence Prevention

KFF Health News Original

The U.S. Department of Justice canceled $500 million in grants to public safety organizations nationwide, including some that address gun violence. A clinic in St. Louis lost a $2 million award to develop a mobile clinic, increase mental health services, and engage the community.

Volunteers Help Tornado-Hit St. Louis Amid Wait for Federal Aid

KFF Health News Original

As St. Louis deals with more than $1.6 billion in estimated property damage from the May 16 tornado, locals are pouring in to help the hard-hit area of North St. Louis. It’s unclear if residents can count on federal support as they rebuild.

Even Where Abortion Is Still Legal, Many Brick-and-Mortar Clinics Are Closing

KFF Health News Original

Some clinics that provide abortions are closing, even in states where voters have passed some of the nation’s broadest abortion protections. It’s happening in places like New York, Illinois, and Michigan, as reproductive health care faces new financial pressures.

As Republicans Eye Sweeping Medicaid Cuts, Missouri Offers a Preview

KFF Health News Original

Congressional Republicans are looking to cut at least $880 billion from a pool of federal funding that includes Medicaid — and the program is likely to take a major hit. A previous budget crunch in Missouri offers a window into how cuts ripple through people’s lives.