As Medicare open enrollment approaches (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7), seniors face an important decision: stick with Original Medicare or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. At first glance, the savings and added perks of Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, may look appealing. These private plans often combine Parts A, B, and D into one package, offering lower copays and sometimes extras like dental, vision, or fitness benefits.

However, experts caution that Medicare Advantage carries hidden risks, particularly for those with ongoing health needs. Unlike Original Medicare, which allows patients to see almost any doctor who accepts Medicare, Medicare Advantage typically requires members to use a limited provider network. In most cases, patients also need prior authorization from the insurance company to see specialists, undergo procedures, or access certain medications and therapies.

A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that vulnerable populations, including low-income seniors, often face increased financial burdens under Medicare Advantage. Rural residents are especially at risk: a 2021 study revealed that rural enrollees were nearly twice as likely as their urban peers to switch back to Original Medicare due to narrow provider networks.

Original Medicare may be the safer choice for those with known health issues, a greater need for specialists, or a desire for more predictable costs. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage may suit healthier adults who are comfortable with managed care limitations and want lower premiums. Local providers encourage seniors to review their options carefully before making a decision.

This reality is particularly important for Pawnee County residents. Living in a rural area often means fewer specialists and hospitals within driving distance, which makes network restrictions even more challenging. If a needed doctor or hospital is considered “out of network,” patients may have to travel farther or pay more out of pocket. Original Medicare may provide more reliable access to care through local providers, ensuring that residents can stay closer to home when they need medical attention.

If you are in need of assistance, please call the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) at 620-225-8230

As a third-year medical student, London Keller cared for patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) for only a few weeks but came away with new insights and experiences.

Keller, a Hays native, is a student at the Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (KansasCOM) in Wichita.

While at PVCH, he worked alongside Arlo Reimer, MD, and other staff members at the Family Medicine Clinic.

“My biggest impression of PVCH is how kind and inviting the staff is,” Keller said. “Honestly, I think I was welcomed by every staff member in the hospital. In addition, I was impressed by the vast number of services offered to patients in Larned and the surrounding communities.

“Overall, PVCH embodies the idea of rural healthcare, while maintaining a high standard of care for each and every patient.”

In his family-medicine rotation, Keller met with patients; became acquainted with their histories; performed focused physical exams; and reported information to a provider.

“We then talked about a treatment plan and discussed this with the patient,” Keller noted. “This experience at PVCH allowed me to truly have the rural family-medicine experience. I was able to see the importance of knowing your patients on a more personal level than just what is on their chart.

“In turn, this allows for a more complete care plan for each patient, which improves patient satisfaction and outcomes.”

Keller is grateful to the PVCH staff because “they taught me so much from their years of clinical experience. They made it easy to learn, challenged my clinical decision-making and improved my comfort level with patients.”

He also noted that he lived in a hospital room during his stay in Larned. “This was a good learning experience that will help me better relate to my future patients.”

While he is currently unsure about his plans, Keller’s goal is to practice medicine in rural Kansas after his residency.

After graduating from Hays High School in 2018, Keller earned a degree in human biology from The University of Kansas in 2023. He then began medical school at KansasCOM and will graduate in 2027.

 

KansasCOM comment

Dasa Gangadhar, MD, senior associate dean at KansasCOM, said “London has been deeply moved by the strong personal relationships Dr. Reimer shares with his patients. The warm welcome from the hospital staff and the broader community has made a lasting impression.

“For London, this rotation has been a superb introduction to clinical medicine and the meaningful role physicians play in rural communities. It is exactly this type of student, in exactly this type of clinical setting, who will be inspired to return and practice in rural America, fulfilling the mission of our school.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) congratulates Jaqueline Clark, RN, Joey Benish, RN, and Angela Beck, APRN, on being recognized as PVCH Foundation Healthcare Stars by John and Caroline Haas.

The PVCH Foundation Healthcare Stars program was created to recognize those healthcare professionals who have provided exceptional patient care. In doing so, nominators are encouraged to give a gift to honor the individual or group nominated. These gifts to the PVCH Foundation directly support the care PVCH healthcare professionals provide by purchasing new equipment and technology to improve and expand hospital services. The Healthcare Stars program serves as an encouragement to the healthcare professionals at PVCH while also recognizing their outstanding dedication to patient care. Everyone nominated receives a certificate with the patient’s comments, their name is placed on the Healthcare Star plaque, and a special Healthcare Stars pin that symbolizes their exceptional commitment to patient care. 

Caroline Haas stated, “I had to visit the ER, and the staff quickly realized it was my 85th birthday. They were very attentive to my issues and even called my eye doctor. The issues seemed to be the result of a recent eye surgery. Angela even talked to my eye doctor. She was very receptive to his guidance. During the evening, they knew that I had completely missed my birthday party with my family. Before they dismissed us, these three came into the room singing Happy Birthday and carrying a Rice Krispies treat birthday cake. These three caring individuals brought us joy and laughter during a stressful situation!” 

Their story is a shining example of the compassion and excellence that define the PVCH team. PVCH is honored to celebrate Jackie, Joey, and Angela for their clinical expertise and the heartfelt care they bring to every patient interaction. Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition!

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) continues to grow and enhance healthcare services for the community by welcoming new providers and investing in state-of-the-art services.

In April 2025, PVCH welcomed Lacy Bowman, APRN, to its Family Medicine Clinic. Lacy brings with her a comprehensive range of primary care services, including preventive care, chronic condition management, acute illness treatment, women’s health, pediatric care, and well-child visits. She is especially passionate about diabetes management and postpartum mental health care. Since moving to Larned in 2021, Lacy has been dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care and helping individuals take an active role in their health journey.

In March 2025, Dr. Aaron M. Pfeifer, MD, joined PVCH as the new Emergency Department Medical Director. A native of Hays, Dr. Pfeifer brings extensive experience and leadership to the hospital’s emergency team. His responsibilities include supervising emergency department providers, consulting on complex medical cases, ensuring adherence to current clinical protocols, and leveraging data analytics to enhance care quality. He remains actively involved in day-to-day operations and patient care within the emergency department.

PVCH has also made significant advancements in diagnostic capabilities with the opening of a newly upgraded X-ray room in May 2025. This modernized suite features advanced imaging equipment that allows for more accurate and comfortable patient assessments, including the ability to take standing images. The renovation, made possible through the

PVCH Foundation, also incorporated improved safety features to protect both patients and staff.

PVCH has also expanded its Cardiopulmonary Services with the addition of Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET), a proven and effective treatment for patients diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when arteries in the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, often leading to pain, numbness, or cramping. SET involves structured exercise sessions guided by a registered respiratory therapist, focusing on improving circulation, mobility, and overall vascular health. The therapy combines walking, stretching, and strength training, with education on lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, diet, and physical activity. This new service builds on the success of PVCH’s Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab programs and strengthens the hospital’s partnership with HaysMed and the DeBakey Heart Institute, giving patients access to advanced cardiovascular care right here at home.

Together, these developments reflect PVCH’s unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare to Pawnee County and surrounding communities. With dedicated new providers and cutting-edge services, the hospital continues to meet the evolving needs of its patients and strengthen rural healthcare in Pawnee County.