Tate County’s lone hospital is set to receive almost a million in emergency funds following the passing of a pair of bills by the state’s Legislature.
Both chambers approved a $103.7 million grant program to be split among 110 of the state’s struggling hospitals on Tuesday, March 28. Senate Bill 2372 establishes a grant program for hospitals, and House Bill 271 funds the program.
Delta Health Highland Hills Hospital in Senatobia is set to receive $971,475 to aid in the offset of increased costs.
The bills are the answer to months of begging from Mississippi hospital leaders following a series of increased costs for both supplies and wages for worker. With the added increase in costs, reimbursements from insurance providers did not increase.
According to a report from Mississippi Today, more than a third of Mississippi’s rural hospital are at risk of closure, more than half of those within a couple years.
According to the Mississippi Hospital Association, it was estimated hospitals would need $230 million in extra funds to remain open. Despite the increase in funding, it remains about $0 million short.
Tim Moore, president of the MHS, said health care leaders are appreciative of the actions taken by Mississippi’s Legislature, but also said the lower-than-needed funds would not solve the ongoing hospital crisis.
“The solution has not changed,” Moore said. “Payer issues and the burden of uncompensated care must be addressed. The Mississippi hospital system that provides care to all Mississippians costs $23 million a day to operate. Any sustainable business model must generate adequate revenues to cover expenses. Hospitals are no exception.”
Senatobia’s hospital will celebrate its second year of operation July 29 this year and Chief Executive Administrator Josh Hammons remains optimist on the hospital’s growth.
“It [funding] is a blessing, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the legislators who made it happen,” said Hammons. “We still have many challenges, but this will allow us time to plan.”
Once Governor Tate Reeves signs the bill, the funding will be available July 1, the beginning of the state’s fiscal year.
