Although Oklahoma hospitals recently dodged Medicaid cuts that were slated to take effect this summer, some hospitals in the state are still struggling to keep their doors open.
One of those facilities is 39-bed Purcell (Okla.) Municipal Hospital, part of St. Louis-based SSM Health. Officials told KOCO 5 that Purcell Municipal may have to close at the end of this year.
Medicare reimbursement reductions and rising commercial insurance deductibles have caused financial troubles for the hospital. Purcell Municipal CFO Jennifer Warren told KOCO that the hospital has cut nine positions, reduced hours for 16 other workers and eliminated services, including mammography and wound care, to stay afloat.
Although the goal is to keep the hospital open, the facility's future isn't promising. "I think the chances are more that we would close than not," Ms. Warren told KOCO.
However, a ballot initiative could save the hospital. The city of Purcell placed a penny sales tax on the August ballot, which would bring in $1 million for the hospital if it passes, according to the report.
More articles on healthcare finance:
20 most costly inpatient conditions
Ascension Wisconsin to close hospital
5 health systems with strong finances