Kansas City Medical Society

01/23/2026

Access to care is personal. With premium costs rising, many Kansas City families and small business owners are having to make tough decisions about coverage and care. KCMSF supports policies that help people stay insured and get the care they need, when they need it.

https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2026-01-15/affordable-care-act-premium-spikes-force-kansas-city-business-owners-to-change-plans?utm_source=chatgpt.com

01/22/2026

Change doesn't happen because one person speaks up once. It happens when people build relationships and keep showing up together.

The Power of Voice is a hands-on community training designed to help residents build confidence, sharpen advocacy skills, and learn how to communicate effectively about the health issues that matter most.

Two opportunities to attend:
Thurs, January 29 | 11am–1pm (lunch provided)
Sat, January 31 | 9–11am (breakfast provided)

South Branch Library, 3104 Strong Avenue, Kansas City, KS
Training available in English and Spanish.
Scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up.

01/21/2026

Kansas Nursing Workforce Center releases advance report on state of nursing education in Kansas.

The report provides an overview of entry-level, prelicensure nursing programs in Kansas. The Kansas Board of Regents has provided grant funding and data to test potential solutions.

The report provides data that can be used to create solutions that improve access to information about nursing programs and increase nursing school applications in Kansas.

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering call to build a more just and beloved community.

At the Kansas City Medical Society Foundation, we believe health care access is part of that work. We support people who lack insurance and partner with physicians and advocates across Kansas and Missouri to advance policies that expand access to care and strengthen our communities.

May we keep showing up, listening, and working together toward dignity, opportunity, and health for all.

01/15/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Reintjes as he begins service as the MHA Board Chair!

Stephen L. Reintjes Sr., M.D., president and CEO of NKC Health in North Kansas City, Mo., began his one-year term as MHA board chair Jan. 1.

“We’re excited to have Dr. Reintjes leading the board in 2026,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “As a physician executive, he provides the board with insights that shape both operational and patient care elements of policy that support hospitals’ service in Missouri’s communities.”

As chair, Reintjes’ duties include overseeing and directing activities of the MHA Board of Trustees, acting as a day-to-day adviser to MHA, and testifying before committees of the Missouri General Assembly and Congress. He also will lead a Missouri delegation to Washington, D.C., during the year and will act as a state and national spokesperson for Missouri’s hospitals.

“It is an honor to serve as chair of an association that is making a meaningful impact across our state and nation,” said Dr. Reintjes. “I look forward to the progress we will achieve this year as we work to better serve our communities and advance our vision for health care.”

Dr. Reintjes has held numerous leadership positions in the community, including board member of BioNexus KC, president of the Kansas City Medical Society, and board member of both the Midwest Transplant Network and St. Luke’s Hospital Kansas City. He has served as a member of the MHA Board of Trustees since 2020.

Dr. Reintjes is a graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Kansas. He completed his residency in neurosurgery at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

Jeremy M. Fotheringham, J.D., MHSA, R.N., Academic, St. Louis & Southern Illinois regional president for SSM Health – St. Louis, will serve as the 2026 chair-elect.

01/14/2026

Policies can feel abstract until someone tells the truth about what it’s like to live with the consequences.

At The Power of Voice, hosted by the KC Medical Society Foundation, you’ll learn how to share your story in a way that is clear, compelling, and respected by decision-makers.
You’ll also leave with practical tools for advocacy and the confidence to show up for your community.

This program is open to all Wyandotte County residents.
Register by scanning the QR code on the flyer.

01/09/2026

Yesterday, 17 House Republicans joined every House Democrat to pass a standalone, three-year extension of the enhanced ACA premium tax credits (230–196).

Now the bill heads to the U.S. Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to bringing the House bill up for a vote.

Now is the time to act! Call the Senate switchboard TODAY and keep calling every day until the Senate holds a vote.

U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
When the operator answers, say: “Please connect me to Senator ___.”

Kansas: Ask for Senator Jerry Moran
2nd call, ask for Senator Roger Marshall

Missouri: Ask for Senator Josh Hawley
2nd call, ask for Senator Eric Schmitt

Quick call script (20 seconds):

“Hi, my name is ____. I’m a constituent (and provider) from ____. I’m calling to urge Senator ____ to support a clean vote on extending the enhanced premium tax credits. Please bring the bill to the floor and vote yes. Thank you.”

01/09/2026

The House passed legislation Thursday to revive and extend expired ObamaCare tax credits in a bipartisan vote that is boosting hopes of centrist Republicans for a bipartisan deal to revive the tax …

01/05/2026

In 2026, even more neighbors will need specialty care they cannot access on their own. KCMS Foundation connects them to the volunteer physicians and donated services that change lives.

Start the year by helping a neighbor get the care they need to thrive.

Support the Kansas City Medical Society Foundation | Donate to provide specialty care services & community health education programs | Help more people in Kansas City enjoy health & wellness. Call 816-908-0524.

01/02/2026

KCMS Foundation’s CEO, along with board member Carlos Pacheco, MD, spoke with Alex Love about the importance of Congress renewing ACA Premium Tax Credits.

Families are scrambling after federal health care subsidies expired and they are forced to pay higher insurance premiums.

01/01/2026

Wishing our community a healthy, hopeful, and bright New Year. We look forward to continuing our work together to expand access to care in 2026.

12/27/2025