Mississippi lawmakers permitted a $103.7 million grant program to assist the state’s struggling hospitals, however some advocates and lawmakers argue the funding is not sufficient, Mississippi Right this moment reported March 28.
The invoice, which awaits the governor’s signature, would distribute $103 million to hospitals by way of a hybrid funding mannequin utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funds, in keeping with the report. The Mississippi Division of Well being would obtain $700,000 to manage this system.
Earlier this 12 months, the Mississippi Hospital Affiliation projected hospitals would want $230 million in further funds to remain afloat, in keeping with the report.
Tim Moore, the affiliation’s president, stated they’re appreciative of the invoice’s passage however the lower-than-needed funding is not going to clear up the continuing disaster, in keeping with the report.
“The answer has not modified,” Mr. Moore stated, in keeping with the report. “Payer points and the burden of uncompensated care have to be addressed. The Mississippi hospital system that gives care to all Mississippians prices $23 million {dollars} a day to function. Any sustainable enterprise mannequin should generate sufficient revenues to cowl bills. Hospitals aren’t any exception.”
Rep. Robert Johnson, the Home Democratic chief, criticized the invoice for appropriating lower than half of what the hospitals have been looking for, in keeping with the report.
A Mississippi Well being Division official informed the outlet there’s not but a timeline for the grant program’s implementation.