rural hospitals

The partnership between Cerner Corporation and the Great Plains Health Alliance allows small, rural hospitals to take advantage of technology that is typically available only to larger, urban facilities.

Odds appear low that Kansas lawmakers will expand Medicaid. But not expanding the health insurance program for the poor will also be financially detrimental to many hospitals. Some may even be forced to close. The prospect of that happening has captured the attention of lawmakers who live in districts where these hospitals are located.

Many rural hospitals across the Midwest are struggling to stay open. In Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and other states, they're pushing for Medicaid expansion, which could help keep them financially afloat.