09/01/2026
🏥 GOV. BESHEAR DISPUTES CONGRESSMAN BARR’S CLAIMS OVER RURAL HOSPITAL FUNDING
Gov. Andy Beshear is pushing back on statements from Congressman Andy Barr over the impact of federal Medicaid changes on Kentucky’s rural hospitals.
In a letter released Monday, Beshear cited Kentucky Hospital Association estimates that 35 rural hospitals are at risk and said Kentucky could lose at least $21 billion in Medicaid funding, with an estimated 250,000 residents potentially losing coverage.
Beshear also disputed Barr’s statements about Kentucky’s $212.9 million Rural Health Transformation Program, saying federal guidelines do not allow the state to simply use that funding to cover struggling hospital operations.
The governor called on Barr to support changes addressing the Medicaid reductions. Barr has previously questioned the hospital-closure estimates and the administration’s characterization of the federal legislation.
Source: Governor Andy Beshear