The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Post or Eagle Media. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.
By: DR. JENNIFER B. MCKENNEY
Growing up in Fredonia, the daughter of a surgeon and a small business owner, I learned about economic development, community service, and grew to appreciate the strong regional identity that makes SE Kansas unique. As first generation Kansans, my parents immigrated from the Philippines. When I finished at KU Med, I chose to return to Fredonia, taking over my father’s practice, launching two community nonprofits, and starting small businesses of my own. In addition, I served on the local school board for nine years and as the WIlson County Health Officer from 2012 to present.
I love Kansas small towns — and more importantly — I understand them and what it means to return home, raise a family, and build community. I even started a community festival called Sausage Fest, now in its 9th year (August 29th, 2026), with proceeds funding new bikes for every second grader in town.
When Mayor Curt Skoog (D-Overland Park) asked me to join him and run for Lt. Governor, he wanted a true partner in leading and governing. He may be the Mayor of the second-largest city in the state, but he understands the challenges small towns face, and he asked me to develop detailed health care and rural growth blueprints.
It’s no mistake he intertwined health care and rural issues.
Because of the legislature’s failure to expand Medicaid, as every state that borders Kansas has already done, 28 rural hospitals are at risk of imminent closure. That’s more than in any other state, and it would be a death sentence for these towns. During this campaign, I’ve made it a point to tour 25 hospitals along the campaign trail, gathering input and letting communities, patients, and staff know that we will dig in on the fight to keep them open.
As Governor and Lt. Governor, Mayor Skoog and I will make clear to voters which Kansas House and Senate members are “for” or “against” rural hospitals. Building consensus isn’t always about agreeing, it’s about transparency, communication and holding people accountable when they fail to do what’s right.
Already, too many Kansans have to drive hours for care. Many hospitals operate on razor-think margins and provide millions of dollars in uncompensated care to the uninsured patients they serve. Medicaid expansion would reduce those uncompensated costs, improve hospital finances, and help preserve access to care for rural communities. Health care is also a cornerstone of local economies, and hospitals are often among the largest employers in rural Kansas. When a hospital closes, communities lose jobs, businesses struggle, schools lose students and families are less likely to stay or relocate there.
Kansas also has one of the oldest populations in the country, and many rural communities have a high percentage of residents over 65. As Baby Boomers age, demand for primary care, chronic disease management, home health services, and emergency services will continue to grow. We must ensure our rural hospitals and clinics remain financially strong enough to meet the needs of an aging Kansas.
At the same time, federal funding reductions and rising health care costs from inflation, specialty pharmaceuticals, and long-term care, are placing additional pressure on our health care system. These challenges make Medicaid expansion even more urgent, not less. Medicaid cuts in last year’s federal HR 1 will hurt healthcare and many Kansans unless we expand NOW.
On top of these Medicaid cuts, state spending in Kansas is increasing. In addition to tariffs and high behavioral health costs, the uptake of GLP-1 weight-loss medications must be offset by Medicaid expansion to balance our budgets.
Mayor Skoog and I outlined our priorities in the THRIVE Kansas Plan, with the H standing for Health Kansans and the R for Rural. We will expand Medicaid, strengthen rural hospitals, increase access to care, grow medical education and residency opportunities, create incentives for providers to practice in every part of the state and support biomedical innovation that creates high-quality jobs and improves health outcomes.
Dr. Jennifer Bacani McKenney (D-Fredonia) is running for Lt. Governor with Mayor Curt Skoog (D-Overland Park). She is a family physician, Wilson County Health Officer, vice chair of the Kansas Health Foundation board, Associate Dean for Rural Medical Education for KU School of Medicine, and is a nationally recognized leader in rural health.