Editor’s note: This story is the first in a two-part series examining information Missouri health leaders recently discussed about sweeping federal Medicaid cuts. Part One details the proposed reductions, potential impacts on rural hospitals and urgent warnings from administrators across the region. Rural health leaders recently shared stark warnings and fresh insights to spread awareness about sweeping federal Medicaid cuts. They are emphasizing the proposals advancing in Congress will close hospitals, eliminate vital services and leave millions without care. “The Senate Finance proposal would reduce Medicaid funds to rural hospitals by 21% and result in over a million rural enrollees losing Medicaid coverage and likely becoming uninsured,” stated National Rural Health Association Chief Policy Officer Carrie Cochran-McClain. “This will lead to closures in facilities and service lines and reduced access to care.” The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by the House in May by a…