At Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, we care about more than just your health—we care about helping you make the best choices for your future. One of the biggest decisions many of our patients face is choosing the right Medicare coverage. With the Medicare Open Enrollment period coming up (October 15 – December 7), now is the perfect time to take a closer look at your options.

Why This Matters for You
We want you to know that PVCH is not contracted with most Medicare Advantage plans. This means that if you have one of these plans, our hospital and providers may be considered out-of-network, which could mean higher costs for your care.

That’s why it’s so important to review your Medicare plan now—so you can make sure it works for your health needs and your budget.

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: What’s the Difference?

• Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies. They cover the basics of Medicare but often add extras like dental, vision, or wellness programs. Some even include perks like gym memberships. But there are trade-offs—these plans usually limit you to a smaller network of doctors and hospitals, and sometimes require approval before you can get certain services. In rural communities like ours, this can make it harder to get the care you need when you need it.
• Original Medicare is run by the federal government and gives you much more flexibility. You can see any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare, which means fewer delays and more options for your care.

Looking Beyond the Price Tag
It’s easy to be drawn to the lower monthly premiums of some Medicare Advantage plans. But keep in mind—those lower premiums don’t always mean lower costs overall. Things like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles can add up quickly. In fact, studies show that many people with Medicare Advantage actually end up paying more for hospital stays than those on Original Medicare.

We’re Here to Help You Decide
Choosing a plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Helpful resources are available to guide you:

• Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK): Free, unbiased advice to help you understand your Medicare options.
• Your insurance agent: A trusted local resource who can walk you through the details.
• Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE: Official tools to compare plans and get answers.

At Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, our goal is to keep you healthy and make sure you feel confident about your coverage. Take time this fall to review your options, ask questions, and choose the plan that works best for you and your family.

If you need assistance, please call Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) at 620-225-8230 or attend the free community event on October 6 at 6:30 PM at the Larned Community Center, which will explain the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Your health matters—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Medicare Advantage, also called Part C, is a private insurance alternative to Original Medicare. While marketed as cost-saving, Medicare Advantage plans come with tradeoffs that beneficiaries should weigh carefully.

When individuals enroll in Medicare Advantage, they give up their Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). While many Advantage plans boast zero or low premiums, added benefits, and set out-of-pocket maximums, the reality is more complex. Plans often restrict members to narrow physician networks—one 2017 study found that, on average, these plans included only half of U.S. physicians.

Approval hurdles are another drawback. Medicare Advantage members frequently must seek prior authorization for treatments, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and even diagnostic tests. Without approval, care may be denied. This restriction has raised concerns about access, particularly for those managing chronic illnesses.

Financially, Medicare Advantage has not proven cheaper overall. In 2023, Medicare paid $454 billion to private insurers for Advantage plans—54% of total Medicare spending, up from 27% in 2015. Studies indicate that Medicare Advantage costs the government 6% more per enrollee compared to Original Medicare.

For Pawnee County residents, these details matter. With a smaller healthcare network locally available, many Advantage plan enrollees may find themselves forced to seek care outside the area or travel long distances for specialists. Delays caused by prior authorizations could further complicate treatment for chronic conditions common among older Kansans. While Medicare Advantage may appeal with its upfront savings, residents should consider whether the convenience of bundled coverage outweighs the risks of limited access in a rural community.

Healthcare providers at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) Family Medicine want to remind the community about the many FDA-approved hormone replacement therapy options they offer.

As women enter their thirties and forties, many begin to experience hormonal imbalances that can affect their quality of life. Hormone therapy has emerged as a pivotal treatment to manage symptoms related to pre-menopause, menopause, and other hormonal issues.

“We provide pre- and post-menopausal hormonal treatments in our Family Medicine practice,” said Susan Aistrup, nurse practitioner. “Sometimes this involves estrogen or progestogen, or a combination of both. This could be in the form of oral medication, patches, gels or injections.

“Compounded bioidentical therapy also is an option,” she added. “Other considerations are lifestyle changes or hormone-replacement therapy.”

Common symptoms that may lead a woman to seek advice about these treatment options are hot flashes and night sweats; weight gain; constipation; numbness and tingling in the hands; and vaginal dryness.

“Since hormone imbalances may be related to various underlying conditions, a visit to a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial,” Aistrup noted. “Our family medicine providers look at the patient’s overall health, ensuring that all aspects of well-being are considered during treatment.”

Hormones are a chemical produced by the endocrine system that regulate many bodily functions.

“An imbalance can affect metabolism and energy levels, which can lead to weight changes, and affect blood sugar, blood pressure, and fluid- and body- temperature regulation,” Aistrup said. “There also could be issues with muscle mass and bone density, which can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis.”

In addition to the physical concerns of a hormonal imbalance, a woman’s mental health may be affected.

These imbalances can cause anxiety, depression, hair loss, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, change in libido, fatigue, skin problems, sensitivity to heat or cold, menstrual irregularities and mood swings.

Those who are considering over-the-counter “natural remedies” should discuss this topic with their healthcare provider, cautioned Jewel Davis, director of clinic operations.

“Family and patient history should be reviewed before using preparations that are not FDA-approved,” she said.

Davis added that hormone replacement therapy is an area of interest for all our Family Medicine providers. “Two hormone treatments patients can receive right here in our office with an injection are Depo-Testosterone and Depo-Provera,” she said.

Other women’s health services offered at PVCH include preventive screenings; annual well-woman exams (with or without a Pap smear); breast exams; birth control and contraceptive care; pregnancy testing; hormone injections administered by a nurse who monitors levels; obstetrics and prenatal care; healthy weight-loss support; mammograms; DEXA scans; and sonograms.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact PVCH Family Medicine at 620-804-6007

Congratulations to Sheila Andersen on being named Associate of the Quarter! Sheila’s dedication and hard work on the BEE Award process have been nothing short of outstanding. Her commitment to recognizing excellence, paired with her leadership and positive presence in the department, truly sets her apart. We are grateful for her efforts and proud to celebrate her well-deserved recognition. PVCH is honored to have you, Sheila.

Each quarter, our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) determines the recipient based on the many amazing peer nominations received.

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) didn’t have to look far to find a qualified registered nurse to fill a new position in the Family Medicine clinic.

Melissa Hagerman, who has cared for patients and families at PVCH for almost a decade, is now filling the role of Family Medicine nurse lead.

“This nurse-lead position is essential to provide clinical expertise and deliver high-quality patient care, while we collaborate as a team to create a positive work environment,” Hagerman said.

Responsibilities in her new role include: leading all clinical nursing processes; providing clinical care and support to patients; creating positive leadership by establishing an environment of teamwork; fostering a culture of safety and continuous learning; and adhering to policies and procedures.

Hagerman is eager to fulfill these responsibilities because at PVCH “we provide compassionate patient care, as we build a rapport and trustworthy relationships within our community.”

Previously, Hagerman served PVCH in the roles of health coach for chronic-care management and clinic nurse.

Originally from Colby, Hagerman earned her associate’s degree in nursing at North Central Kansas Technical College in Hays and a bachelor’s in nursing at Fort Hays State University.

Hagerman and her husband, Lance, have 17-year-old twins, Jillian and Landis, and an adult daughter, Justine.

Jewel Davis, PVCH director of clinic operations, said “Melissa brings compassion and dedication to our clinic. I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her into this leadership position, which is an exciting step forward for our patient-care team.

“Having worked closely with Melissa for nearly five years, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the level of professionalism she brings to our clinic every single day.”

Hagerman deserved this promotion because of her “clinical excellence and deep commitment to the well-being of every patient,” Davis added. “She is thorough and attentive, and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our patients feel cared for and heard. Her kindness and empathy continue to touch the lives of countless individuals and families.”

The new position is vital to the clinic’s leadership structure, Davis noted.

“It plays a key role in maintaining high standards of patient care, while supporting the nursing team and helping to lead quality-improvement initiatives. Melissa’s ability to lead with both heart and skill makes her an ideal fit. Her leadership strengthens the connection between our clinic and the community we serve.”