Rising Healthcare Costs Force Half of Kansans to Delay Medical Care, Study Finds

A new study published by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) on September 3rd reveals a troubling trend: more than 50% of Kansans are postponing essential healthcare services due to overwhelming costs. 

The report, titled Rising Health Care Costs Force Kansans to Postpone Care, highlights the financial strain affecting residents, with healthcare expenses now ranking as the second-highest concern behind inflation on groceries and gas.

According to an article from KSNT, “What we learned wasn’t surprising, but it was disturbing…” CEO at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas Matt All said. “Half of Kansans are putting off needed care because of cost and that’s totally unacceptable today.”

In response to this growing concern, Heartland Community Health Center is expanding access to provide comprehensive, affordable care. Operating on a sliding scale based on income, and accepting commercial insurance, Medicare/Medicaid, and uninsured patients, Heartland ensures that no patient is turned away due to their ability or inability to pay. For those at or below 100% of the federal poverty level, primary care visits are just $25, and behavioral health services cost only $10.

Heartland’s mission is deeply rooted in community care. “Like many organizations in our community, Heartland was founded by individuals who were concerned about their neighbors and friends who lacked access to care,” shared Julie Branstrom, CEO. The organization’s focus is on expanding healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations.

In 2023, Heartland and Panda Pediatrics served 21,156 patients through 71,273 visits, including 13,659 children, 319 individuals experiencing homelessness, 461 veterans, and 403 transgender and non-binary patients. The center’s commitment to historically marginalized groups is evident, with 57% of patients uninsured or on Medicaid/Medicare and 28% identifying as non-white.

In line with this commitment, Heartland launched a $3 million expansion project last year to enhance its psychiatry and behavioral health services. The expanded services will be housed at the new Bluestem Wellness Building, located at 534 Michigan, directly east of Heartland’s current facility.

Scheduled to open on October 1st, Bluestem Wellness will feature designated spaces for various therapy and psychiatric services, including a multipurpose room for group therapy and other programming.

This expansion addresses a crucial need. The 2023 Douglas County Community Needs Assessment identified behavioral health as a top priority, noting that nearly one in four residents have been diagnosed with depression. 

The assessment found that Douglas County residents with an income of less than $35,000 per year were 2.9 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than higher-income residents.

In addition to its expanded facilities, Heartland continues to emphasize the importance of integrated care. “We know that physical health, mental health, dental health—it’s all connected. We aim to provide all of those services for our patients under one roof,” said Lisa Russell, Chief Clinical Officer.

Heartland’s integrated care model includes primary care, psychiatry, behavioral health services, and dental care, all at one place. This model not only facilitates better coordination between providers but also ensures that patients receive personalized and comprehensive care.

“What brought me to Heartland is I really wanted somewhere that was accessible, somewhere affordable, somewhere where I actually felt cared about,” said Shyanne, a Heartland patient. She went on to emphasize how the sliding scale at Heartland helped reduce her prescription costs by two-thirds.

Victor, another patient, expressed the impact of Heartland’s comprehensive approach. After a decade of homelessness and battling addiction, Victor’s life changed dramatically when he began receiving care at Heartland. His initial encounter with Heartland was marked by immediate, compassionate treatment for a severe toothache. However, the impact extended far beyond this single event.

Maureen Caro, a Nurse Practitioner at Heartland, played a crucial role in Victor’s journey. She took the time to understand his entire health history, revealing a pre-diabetic condition that Victor had been unaware of. “Victor has done an incredible amount of work for his own recovery and health. It is absolutely my most treasured experience as a provider to see him in his recovery and to be a small part of his journey,” Caro said.

Victor’s care at Heartland focused on his complete and overall physical, mental, and social wellbeing. His emotional support dog was welcomed with open arms, and Heartland staff, including Shawna, provided continuous support in navigating community resources. This comprehensive care helped Victor maintain his recovery and rebuild his life. “They’ve gone out of their way to make sure you’re doing okay for the future,” he reflected. 

As healthcare costs rise, Heartland remains committed to serving the community with a range of services, including primary care, mental health, substance use treatment, pediatrics, and pharmacy services.

The center’s River City Pharmacy helps patients afford life-saving medications, and the integrated care model allows for collaboration across specialties to provide care for the whole-person.

“We are able to take care of people from the day they are born throughout the lifespan, and it really encompasses every aspect of health,” noted Lisa Russell. 

Recently, Heartland Community Health Center and Panda Pediatrics were honored with multiple awards in the Best of Lawrence competition. Heartland received first place in Medical Clinic, Addiction Treatment Center, Pediatric Care Practice, and Psychiatrist (Dr. Nick Evangelidis). Additional accolades include second place for Family Medical Clinic, Medical Doctor (Dr. Luke Mueller), Nurse Practitioner (Lisa Russell, DNP, NP-C), and Psychologist (Dr. Meaghan McEachern), as well as third place for Place to Work, Pharmacy at River City Pharmacy, and Mental Health Counselor (Alex Rodenbeek, LSCSW).

 “Despite Heartland’s growth, our work is only just beginning,” said Branstrom. The organization is committed to evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of the community and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.

To celebrate the opening of the Bluestem Wellness Building and to continue its tradition of community support, Heartland invites the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for September 26th at 4 p.m. This event will mark the beginning of a new chapter in providing essential behavioral health services to the community.