Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health is demanding Delaware County pay for $1.8 million worth of care provided to a former jail inmate at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Ind., according to The Star Press.
IU Health made the demand for payment in a letter sent to Delaware County Sheriff Ray Dudley. Mr. Dudley told The Star Press the county is not obligated to pay the medical bill because the inmate, Richard Ballard Howell III, was released from custody on the second day of his six-month stay at Ball Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Howell was booked into the Delaware County Jail July 28, 2016. He was transported to Ball Memorial Hospital July 30 after complaining of shortness of breath and was later diagnosed with septic shock. A judge ordered Mr. Howell released from custody Aug. 1, 2016.
"Mr. Howell was clearly under lawful detention at the time he was transported from Delaware County jail to IU Health Ball Memorial on July 30, 2016," states the demand letter. "His release does not alleviate Delaware County from financial responsibility."
Mr. Dudley intends to dispute the allegations in IU Health's demand letter.
"The hospital doesn't have the right to say we have to provide medical care after an inmate has been released," Mr. Dudley told The Star Press.
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