Rural women of childbearing age across the Commonwealth rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to a new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. “Kentucky actually is one of the states with the highest number of women of reproductive age covered by Medicaid,” Beauregard reported. Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, said losing rural hospitals affects all women, not just those on Medicaid. She argued cuts to Medicaid will create more barriers for pregnant women and their families. Nationwide, nearly two-thirds of counties lacking a birthing facility or obstetrician are located in rural areas.