Stanislaus County Clinics See Hike in Reimbursements
Stanislaus County officials were notified by CMS on Monday that seven county safety net clinics will be eligible for higher reimbursements for treating Medi-Cal and Medicare patients, the Modesto Bee reports.
Rick Robinson, county CEO, said the clinics have been designated Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike status.
The new designation is expected to generate up to $6.4 million annually for the county's Health Services Agency.
Officials had hoped the new reimbursement rates would be retroactive to the beginning of the fiscal year in July. However, Mary Ann Lee, director of the health agency, said it still should receive an additional $5 million this year.
The clinics have been running large deficits annually, including a $16.6 million projected shortfall for 2007-2008.
Despite the reimbursement hike, the county will continue to seek about $6.2 million in cuts to services to reduce the projected deficit.
County supervisors on Oct. 16 will consider the proposed service cuts, including:
- A reduction in urgent care hours from 84 to 36 weekly;
- Eliminating clinical laboratory and radiology services; and
- Limiting the income eligibility for the medically indigent adult care program.
The changes could take effect in December, pending approval (Carlson, Modesto Bee, 9/25). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.