Marina
In a surprising turn of events, Midland Care Connection, Inc., a healthcare provider that has been serving the Kansas City area for over a century, has announced the closure of its Home Health division known as the Visiting Nurse Association of Kansas City (VNA KC).
This marks a significant shift in the healthcare landscape of the region, affecting thousands of local patients and families.
VNA KC: A Storied History in Kansas City
Founded in 1891, the Visiting Nurse Association of Kansas City (VNA KC) has long been a pillar in the community, offering home health services to those in need across 17 Kansas City-area counties.
Each year, VNA KC serves nearly 4,000 patients, providing care to individuals who require nursing, rehabilitation, and other medical services in the comfort of their own homes.
Key Details of the Closure:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Midland Care Connection, Inc. |
| Division Affected | Visiting Nurse Association of Kansas City (VNA KC) |
| Date of Announcement | October 8, 2025 |
| Reason for Closure | Unsustainable Medicare rate decreases and low Medicare Advantage reimbursement rates |
| Closure Timeline | Services to end within 30 days |
| Impact | Affects VNA KC Home Health division only; hospice care services unaffected |
| Transition Plan | Current home health patients will be transferred to other local providers |
Why the Closure?
The closure of the VNA KC Home Health division is largely attributed to the unsustainable Medicare rate decreases and low reimbursement rates from Medicare Advantage plans.
As a result, the organization has found it increasingly difficult to continue operating its home health services profitably. Shawn Sullivan, the President & CEO of Midland Care Connection, stated that the company recognizes the significant impact this decision will have on its staff, patients, and the broader Kansas City community.
These industry-wide challenges are not unique to VNA KC, as many home health companies across the nation are facing similar financial struggles. Medicare rate cuts have become a growing concern for healthcare providers, forcing many to re-evaluate their service offerings.
Impact on Local Patients and Families
The closure will affect 4,000 patients who depend on VNA KC’s home health services annually. The company has assured that current patients will be transitioned to other home care providers within the Kansas City metro area to ensure that their care continues without disruption.
However, the closure does not affect VNA KC’s hospice care services, which will continue to operate as usual. This means that patients receiving end-of-life care through the organization will not see any interruption in their treatment plans.
What Happens Next?
Midland Care Connection and VNA KC had merged in July 2024 in an effort to strengthen the regional healthcare system.
The merger was initially meant to create a more robust continuum of care in the Kansas City area, but the current financial challenges in the home health industry have led to this difficult decision to shut down a key division of the organization.
As the VNA KC Home Health division shuts down, Midland Care Connection will focus on its hospice care services, which remain unaffected by the closure. The organization is also likely to continue exploring ways to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape and ensure long-term sustainability.
The sudden closure of the VNA KC Home Health division marks the end of an era for Midland Care Connection, a healthcare organization that has been serving the Kansas City area for more than a century.
While the closure will be a blow to many in the community, efforts are underway to transition affected patients to other providers.
As the healthcare industry continues to face challenges related to Medicare and reimbursement rates, it’s clear that more changes could be on the horizon.