Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City will no longer participate in Affordable Care Act Marketplace insurance networks beginning Jan. 1, 2027, a change that could leave families facing difficult decisions about how to access care for their children.

The hospital announced the development Tuesday night, explaining that insurance companies had chosen not to include Children's Mercy in their networks for the coming year. The hospital said it wanted to remain part of the plans but was excluded by insurers.

The decision places an important question before families who rely on the pediatric hospital: Will their current insurance continue to provide affordable access to the care their children need?

Children's Mercy Insurance Coverage Changes Take Effect in 2027

The upcoming network changes could affect families who purchase health coverage through the ACA Marketplace and depend on Children's Mercy for medical services.

When a hospital falls outside an insurance plan's network, patients can face different coverage conditions and potentially higher out-of-pocket expenses, depending on the terms of their policies and the care they receive.

Children's Mercy has encouraged families to contact their insurance companies directly to review their current coverage and understand what options will be available before the changes take effect.

Hospital Offers Help to Families Navigating Coverage

Children's Mercy said it would also work with families to explore ways to access care when their insurance plans classify the hospital as an out-of-network provider.

The hospital's announcement underscores the importance of reviewing insurance arrangements ahead of the Jan. 1, 2027, deadline, rather than waiting until a child needs medical attention.

Families concerned about how the changes could affect their coverage can also seek assistance from the Kansas Department of Insurance or the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance.