Natchez Regional to receive $280,000

By Adam Koob (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Friday, July 25, 2008

NATCHEZ — Natchez Regional Medical Center will receive approximately $280,000 today to help offset their expenses for uncompensated care.

Gov. Haley Barbour announced the distribution of the federal money on Tuesday.

And NRMC is not the only hospital that will be receiving funding.

Across Mississippi 28 public hospitals will be dividing approximately $88 million — all aimed to offsetting uncompensated care costs.

All of the hospitals receiving funding are part of the federal disproportionate share program.

Regional’s CEO Scott Phillips explained the money as a way to compensate hospitals that treat a disproportionate amount of patients who cannot pay their medical bills.

“It’s not intended to pay all of the costs of uncompensated care ,but it helps,” he said.

Phillips said the funding is meant as a way to prevent hospitals from being financially damaged as a result of providing treatment to patients who cannot pay their bills.

Barbour said the reimbursements will ultimately benefit the state.

“This is an example of why hospitals pay provider fees, so they can recoup the federal match and ultimately bring Mississippi’s hospitals more money for healthcare services,’’ he said.

Phillips said the state has provided such funding for years and the amount each facility receives is determined by a complex formula.

But no matter the means by which the funding is determined Phillips said the funding is welcomed.

“We’re grateful,” he said.

And in about three months the hospital will have about 280,000 more reasons to be grateful.

Phillips said the hospital is scheduled to receive another installment of the same amount in the fall.