WC Missouri News

Bothwell Regional Health Center is addressing challenges after being identified as one of four Missouri hospitals at greater risk, according to a study by the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research. The study listed 338 rural hospitals nationwide that face risks due to financial criteria. Bothwell was included because of three consecutive years of negative total margins.

CEO Lori Wightman clarified that this does not mean Bothwell is closing, noting that fiscal year 2024 marked the first profitable year since 2018. “We are able to pay people and keep up with our bills yet we have limited savings to fall back on or invest in the future,” she said.

Medicare and Medicaid account for 78% of Bothwell's patient payments, but these programs do not cover the full cost of care. “Commercial insurance alone cannot close the gap,” Wightman explained, highlighting the importance of subsidies for rural hospitals.

Bothwell has not received tax subsidies despite being city-chartered and carries virtually no debt. Efforts are underway to reduce costs and explore new revenue sources like philanthropy and grants.

The health center has expanded its medical team with over 25 new physicians and advanced practice providers in recent years, enhancing access to family medicine and specialty care. The Bothwell-University of Missouri Rural Family Residency continues to provide new physicians for rural Missouri.

Wightman noted that the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law by President Trump, brings attention to rural hospital funding changes affecting Medicaid primarily starting in 2028. The bill includes $50 billion for a Rural Health Transformation Program over five years. “Through the Missouri Hospital Association and Gov. Kehoe’s administration, we are actively engaged to ensure Missouri’s rural hospitals see a share of those funds,” she stated.

Senator Josh Hawley introduced legislation to prevent future Medicaid cuts and increase rural hospital program funding from $50 billion to $100 billion. State Rep. Brad Pollitt also expressed support for Bothwell.

Wightman emphasized Bothwell's role as Sedalia’s largest employer with more than 1,000 employees serving Pettis and Benton counties through various facilities. Annually, there are about 318,000 patient visits with over 24,000 seeking emergency care.

“The Sheps Center list highlights the precarious position that many rural hospitals across the country find themselves in,” Wightman said. Despite financial challenges, she affirmed Bothwell's commitment to community service for another century.

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