Stanislaus County Seeks Outside Help for Clinics
The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to hire a consultant to help erase the health clinic system's deficit and keep the facilities open, the Modesto Bee reports.
Low reimbursements from state and federal programs for indigent care at the clinics contribute to the deficit. The county is mandated to provide such care.
Rick Robinson, county CEO, said the clinics estimate a $16.6 million deficit in 2007-2008. Some of the loss was anticipated and accounted for in the general fund budget, but the county still is searching for funds to cover the remaining $12.6 million.
The county also needs funds to cover deficits from past years.
HSF Consultants will consider three strategies to save the clinics:
- A clinic system with a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike designation, a move that would increase reimbursements and save the county up to $6 million;
- A clinic system without the designation; and
- A clinic system that provides care only for indigent adults (Moran, Modesto Bee, 7/18).