Hospital officials ask county for $277,000 in Medicaid ‘seed’ money

Moab Regional Hospital officials have formally asked the Grand County Council to assist them with the hospital’s financial woes by providing “seed money” to help MRH receive at least $840,000 in supplemental Medicaid payments for the current year.

When Moab Valley Healthcare, Inc., a non-profit organization, took over ownership of Allen Memorial in 1995, the hospital was grandfathered into the DSH fund, even though it was no longer district owned, because it was still located in the same building. Because Moab Regional Hospital is in a new location and not owned by or affiliated with any governmental entity, state Medicaid officials determined that the facility was no longer eligible for participation in the supplemental DSH program.

The hospital subsequently challenged the disqualification, and officials were able to work out a compromise that would allow them to continue to participate, on the condition that a governmental entity agrees to sponsor or support the hospital by paying approximately 30 percent of the total DSH payments being applied for as up-front “seed” money. For 2012, the amount of seed money needed is approximately $277,000.

In May, the new hospital discovered that some $1 million in cash reserves were depleted to the point that officials were forced to choose between paying employees or paying the facility’s mortgage. The choice to pay employees meant that the mortgage payment was late, prompting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to get involved. HUD provides the insurance on the hospital’s mortgage loan with U.S. Bank, Barraclough told The Times-Independent last month.

Council member Audrey Graham noted that since the DSH program is ongoing, the seed payment would not just be a one-time event. The county would possibly have to impose a sales tax increase – perhaps as high as 0.5 percent – to cover the cost of making the DSH seed money payments in future years and to help provide extra funding for the Canyonlands Care Center, she said.

The sales tax issue could be placed on the June 2013 ballot if the Grand County Council approves the measure. MoabTimes-Independent

Potential ‘fracking’ causes drinking water concerns

Moab residents are worried about potential groundwater pollution if natural gas drilling that includes hydraulic fracturing is allowed in the scenic red rock country.

The Bureau of Land Management plans a Feb. 19 auction of energy leases on 80,000 acres in southeast Utah, including two parcels in direct view of Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

The BLM is conducting an environmental assessment of the proposed leases to determine the potential impact, said Don Ogaard, chief of the leasing support section for the agency's Utah office. BLM officials said the report should be available for public review by the end of September. A 30-day public comment period will follow.

Gas exploration that includes hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" involves injecting pressurized liquid into shale.

The 80,000 acres are on federal land spread across Grand and San Juan counties in Utah. Daily Herald

Health Care Board sets tax, reviews year-to-date report

The San Juan Health District Board welcomed a new member, Guy Denton, to represent the Blanding area, at their June 28 board meeting. Denton said, “Health care has been an important part of my life the last 15 years and I am glad to be able to be involved. “

The Board unanimously voted to continue the county trend of “revenue neutral” by adopting a tax rate lower than the certified tax rate. The previous year’s rate for the health district was .000972 and the new approved rate is .000946.

Chief Financial Officer Lyman Duncan reported that overall patient days at San Juan Hospital dropped to 94 in May, which is the lowest for the year. He also reported that for the year, 2012 has 207 more bed days as compared to last year. San Juan Record

MRH receives recertification as Level IV trauma center

Moab Regional Hospital was recently re-certified as a Level IV trauma center by the Utah Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, in collaboration with the American College of Surgeons.

The key role of a Level IV center is to resuscitate, stabilize, and arrange transport to the closest, most appropriate advanced trauma facility, according to the news release from Moab Regional Hospital.

Moab Regional Hospital is one of eight Level IV trauma centers in Utah. The Times-Independent

Construction set to begin on new clinic

Construction will begin soon on a new physician clinic adjacent to the San Juan Hospital after ground breaking ceremonies were held on December 8.

Construction crews, under the direction of Tri-Hurst / Hogan Construction, will begin work as soon as bonds are sold to help fund the project. It is expected that the Utah Community Impact Board will purchase $1,180,000 in Lease Revenue bonds this week.

Tri-Hurst is working toward a mid-October 2011 completion date for the 10,440 square foot, two-story clinic. It will feature a lobby, ten provider offices, ten examination rooms including two larger treatment rooms, and a small classroom for education programs. Eaton Architects designed the building. More than $1 million of the construction costs will be paid to local contractors and subcontractors. San Juan Record