Rural women in Kentucky are among the most frequent Medicaid recipients in the U.S., according to a recent study.

In Kentucky, a state where around 35% of women between the ages of 19 and 44 are covered by Medicaid, the proposed reduction in Medicaid funding by $880 billion could have a devastating impact on maternal and infant health.

Emily Beauregard, executive director of Kentucky Voices for Health, has emphasized the importance of continuous coverage, stating that it allows women to address chronic health conditions before pregnancy, access prenatal care early, and improve the chances of delivering a healthy baby. However, Beauregard suggests that these cuts would leave more rural counties without maternity care, potentially leading to more hospital closures.

Beauregard also argues that these cuts would increase the cost of uncompensated care. This is a significant concern, given that rural women of childbearing age in Kentucky rely heavily on Medicaid for their health coverage.

The Georgetown University Center for Children and Families has released a report corroborating Beauregard's concerns. The report states that these cuts would have a devastating impact on maternal and infant health in Kentucky, particularly in rural areas where nearly half of all births in 2023 were covered by Medicaid.

Nationwide, nearly two-thirds of counties lacking a birthing facility or obstetrician are located in rural areas. This is a widespread issue, as seen in Texas, where there is a widespread lack of maternity care and a large portion of the population consists of women of childbearing age relying on Medicaid.

Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, points out that if there's no facility for childbirth, women with private or employer insurance cannot safely give birth. She further adds that the loss of rural hospitals affects all women, not just those on Medicaid.

Beauregard also predicts that cuts to Medicaid would create more barriers for pregnant women and their families. This could lead to more complications during pregnancy and childbirth, potentially increasing the number of high-risk births.

In conclusion, the potential cuts to Medicaid funding could have a significant impact on maternal and infant health in Kentucky, particularly in rural areas. It is crucial to consider the long-term effects of such cuts and find solutions to ensure continuous, affordable healthcare for all women of childbearing age.