Oregon hospitals and health systems are asking the state legislature to help them with additional funding that could easily top $1 billion as they struggle with spiraling costs, according to a Feb. 23 article in The Lund Report.
For example, they are asking for more money from the state's health care coverage plan for approximately 1.4 million low income residents, the Oregon Health Plan, as well as payments for patients who cannot be discharged on time, the report said.
According to the report, Salem (Ore.) Health CEO Cheryl Nester Wolfe is among those healthcare executives backing Senate Bill 486, which would require the state to pay hospitals what it costs them to hold patients who cannot be discharged because recovery facilities such as nursing homes lack space.
Salem Health "routinely boards approximately 90 patients who are waiting for post-acute beds," she wrote in a Feb. 3 letter to the legislature in support of the proposals. "When patients no longer need acute care, (insurance) reimbursement ceases to flow to the hospital. This is financially unsustainable."
In addition, health systems will face increased funding pressures once changes in Medicaid eligibility kick in April 1 and many residents lose automatic coverage, the report said.
Despite operating losses in the past several quarters, many Oregon hospitals have strong investment portfolios, the report said. Hospital representatives contend these reserves won't be enough if losses continue at the same pace.
More details on the problems facing Oregon health systems can be found here.