Central Health sues Ascension Texas over low-income patient care

AUSTIN, Texas – Austin’s public hospital district, and one of many largest hospital programs in Central Texas are suing one another.

Central Well being claims Ascension Texas is failing to fulfill its contractual obligations to supply look after low earnings residents. However, Ascension claims Central Well being is the one not honoring their deal.

In contrast to different massive, city hospital districts in Texas, Central Well being doesn’t personal or function a public hospital. As an alternative, they contract well being care providers for low earnings residents out to non-public hospitals.

In keeping with the lawsuit, Ascension has benefited from a 2013 deal, however not delivered on guarantees.

Central Well being says Ascension’s personal knowledge reveals 8,000 fewer sufferers have been cared for in 2022 in comparison with the 2013 contract 12 months.

“This is the issue. Through the years, Ascension has cared for fewer and fewer folks, fewer and fewer map sufferers, and charity care sufferers. That’s not allowed below our agreements with ascension and that is not acceptable,” stated Mike Geeslin, President and CEO of Central Well being.

Ascension’s counter-lawsuit claims Central Well being has over-enrolled and under-funded the medical entry program.

The hospital despatched FOX 7 Austin an announcement:

“Ascension Seton had been searching for religion decision to Central Well being’s continued refusal to assist elevated demand for map providers, however was pressured to hunt authorized treatment after Central Well being refused to have interaction in additional good religion discussions and negotiations.

Central Well being’s taxpayer-funded lawsuit is specializing in the flawed numbers.”