MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Leaders from Hutchinson’s three major health care providers outlined challenges and new initiatives during a community health care and insurance forum hosted by the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.
The panel featured Kolbe Sheridan, CEO of Hutchinson Clinic; Benjamin Anderson, CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System; and Bryant Anderson, CEO of PrairieStar Health Center. The discussion focused on the rising cost of care, workforce shortages, and gaps in access to services including oral health and behavioral health.
Sheridan said rising costs remain the biggest concern for providers, employers, and patients alike. “Every year, business leaders are looking at 7, 10, even 15 percent increases in employee health benefits,” he said. “At the same time, patients are seeing higher premiums and bigger bills, while providers are dealing with escalating costs of treatment.”
Bryant Anderson said PrairieStar is already seeing a “uptick” in the number of uninsured patients, along with long-standing struggles in dental access. He announced that PrairieStar is preparing a $10 million capital campaign to build a new dental clinic, supported so far by $6 million in donor commitments.
Mental health and substance use disorders also ranked as top needs in the latest Reno County Community Health Assessment. Anderson of Hutchinson Regional said Horizons Mental Health Center is playing a vital role as a certified community behavioral health center. Hutch Regional has partnered with Wichita State University to launch a behavioral health fellowship for physician assistants to help address provider shortages.
All three executives emphasized workforce development as a key challenge. Sheridan said Hutchinson Clinic has unusually high staff retention and a culture of recognition but still faces shortages in specialized fields. Anderson of Hutch Regional highlighted new initiatives such as six weeks of paid parental leave, childcare partnerships, and down-payment assistance programs to recruit and retain staff. PrairieStar continues to bring students into clinical training roles with the hope of keeping providers in the community.
The executives also addressed federal policy changes, including the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act passed this summer, which alters Medicaid reimbursements and enrollment requirements. While local providers expect short-term increases in reimbursement, they warned that millions of Americans could lose coverage under stricter re-enrollment rules.
Despite the challenges, the panelists said they see opportunities ahead. Sheridan pointed to population health initiatives and data-driven care management as ways to cut costs. Anderson of PrairieStar said philanthropy will be critical to bridging gaps. And Hutch Regional’s Anderson highlighted new partnerships and innovation in care delivery as reasons for optimism.