In a Land of Plenty, Food Desert Prevalent Across Western Kansas

Oct 11, 2021 - Reports on the lack of access to food, particularly healthy, fresh produce, in rural Western Kansas. Focuses on the economic impacts of grocery stores in rural communities and the challenges facing those communities as residents drive long distances to shop at larger stores. Highlights the loss of food access as rural grocery stores lose business, which affects rural elders and people living with disabilities who may not be able to easily travel for groceries.

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Rural Suicide Rates Are Rising In Kansas And Solutions Won't Come Easy

Sep 17, 2021 - Reports on challenges facing rural Kansas counties related to suicide prevention and stigma surrounding mental health needs, describing the impacts of mental healthcare shortages and economic hardships on agricultural communities. Notes differences in suicide rates in rural Kansas and other Midwestern states and discusses initiatives to promote safe firearm storage, mental health first aid training for community and agriculture business leaders, and other community-level efforts.

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CMS: Medicare Program; National Expansion Implementation for All Remaining States and Territories of the Prior Authorization Model for Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transports Federal Register

Aug 27, 2021 - Notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announcing the implementation dates for all remaining states and territories for the national expansion of the Prior Authorization Model for Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transports. This model tests whether prior authorization for repetitive, scheduled non-emergent ambulance transports helps reduce expenditures while maintaining or improving access to and quality of care.

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