So far in 2023, Minnesota hospitals have reported nearly 14,000 instances of patient boarding. Now, they're getting $18 million from the state to help cover the costs of extended stays, the Star Tribune reported July 23.
The news outlet reviewed hospitals' requests to the state and found that at any point in time, about 580 patients were stuck in an emergency room or inpatient unit because of a lack of space in long-term care and other facilities. During budget negotiations for the legislative session, Minnesota lawmakers set aside $18 million to pay hospitals for these instances. Hospitals were compensated at $395 per day for each request, down from the $1,400 lawmakers were originally considering. However, that would have required $63 million to be set aside. Large systems such as Mayo Clinic in Rochester and M Health Fairview in Minneapolis received the highest payments of more than $2 million, according to the report.
Boarding is a critical issue for hospitals nationwide that has negative consequences for both patient care and hospital finances, as they do not get reimbursed for additional days spent in the hospital.
Minnesota lawmakers have also freed up $300 million to support nursing homes in increasing staffing and expanding beds.