Paul Hanson, President and CEO of North Country Health Services (NCHS) stated today that the recent discussions by and between the Department of Health and the legislators have offered some hope that policymakers will recognize the need for coverage of those with high medical assistance needs.  “North Country Health Services would benefit under the proposed legislation.  As we conduct our internal analysis of the proposal and its financial impact on our operations, we also recognize that this is an estimate and an estimate only.” Hanson said.
                North Country Health Services along with other hospitals that provide services to high medical assistance populations could benefit from this proposal.  Craig Boyer, CFO of North Country stated that the proposal would “lessen the loss NCHS currently receives from the program.”  Under the unallotment that occurred last summer, North Country was estimated to lose over $2.5 million in General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) payments over a 16 month time frame starting March 2010, and ending June 30, 2011. 
                Hanson has been conferring with representatives from the Minnesota Hospital Association and has provided support for the initiative moving forward.  “Our ability to meet the healthcare needs of residents in Northwestern Minnesota is jeopardized when we are expected to provide uncompensated services.  Legislative action that reduces reimbursement for those in need, especially within our service, essentially creates an unfunded mandate for NCHS to meet the needs by subsidizing the care and creating additional financial burdens on our operations.” Hanson said.