Elbert BOC Considers Extra Funding for Hospital
By David Stephens, WSGC Radio, Elberton
Elbert Memorial Hospital is facing a difficult financial struggle, and that point was echoed during Monday night’s regular meeting of the Elbert County Board of Commissioners.
Representatives for Elbert Memorial were on hand to address the commission about receiving financial support from the county to help cover charity care costs. Currently, the hospital receives no financial support to cover indigent care.
Elbert Memorial Authority Board Chair Jim Lloyd requested the county contribute $667,000 to help cover the charity care costs. Lloyd told the commission his board is out of options.
“As a board we have done everything we possibly could to save our hospital. We are at a critical crossroads, and desperately need financial support to keep our hospital open to continue providing healthcare services to the citizens of Elbert County”, stated Lloyd.
Indigent or Charity care is health care provided for free or at reduced prices to low income patients.
Jerry Parrish, representing AnMed Health. Parrish said AnMed has invested roughly $991,000 into Elbert Memorial so far. Most of that, he said, has gone to hire new doctors.
“We have expended funds to recruit new physicians to the community, and other things for Elbert Memorial. We would like to see the hospital succeed, but we can’t do it by ourselves”, said Parrish. “We’d like to second the comments made by Chairman Lloyd about needing some assistance for the citizens of Elbert County for the bad debt/charity care burden that the hospital is carrying.”
Elbert County Commission Chairman Tommy Lyon called the situation difficult. Lyon said the county is already facing increased expenses in the next fiscal year without a projected increase in revenue.
“It’s a hard a question and I don’t know exactly what the answer is today. I know that you will get full consideration, and if there is anyway possible we can do something to make sure we have the hospital, I am sure we will take those steps”, Lyon said.
No action was taken by the board last night in regards to the hospital’s request and the board expect to hold more talks on the matter at future meetings.