HCHC approves 2018 fiscal budget

By Bryce Kelly, Mt. Pleasant News

Henry County Health Center (HCHC) reviewed and approved the fiscal year 2018 budget during their regular board meeting on Tuesday, and according to HCHC CFO Dave Muhs, having to adjust to decisions made by local and national legislatures will mean ratcheting down upcoming budget costs.

According to HCHC CEO Robb Gardner and Muhs, who both presented the 2018 budget to the board, Medicaid and Medicare costs will be one of the largest factors affecting this upcoming budget. Overall, the approved budget saw a roughly two percent increase in expenses, and a roughly two percent rise in revenue. With regard to financial decisions made at the state and federal level, Muhs said the health center is watching those mandates closely, and will try to adapt to changes as needed.

Gardner and Muhs also reported they will continue to look at ways to cut expenses and save money in areas that won?t impact services or patient care, such as technology costs.

?It is going to be a tough budget year, and we are trying to take everything into consideration that we can,? said Muhs. ?Our volumes seem to be increasing. We have been seeing some nice trends in that regard, so that is encouraging. And with an exception of a few minor room rate changes, we are not putting any price increases in. There is no need to raise prices anymore.?

Muhs and Gardner also added that while financially, things will be more uncertain than in past years, the need and demand for healthcare in southeast Iowa will not be decreasing. With that knowledge in mind, Muhs reminded the board that he has worked out an increase to the HR budget to help with HCHC?s recruitment and retention of providers.

?Recruitment of health professionals to rural areas is going to be a challenge. We already know that,? said Muhs. ?That?s going to be one of the biggest hurdles to jump for us moving forward. All rural health facilities statewide are feeling that, but we will do our best to meet that challenge as we move forward.?

In regard to other board business, the board also heard from HCHC Foundation Director, Mark Hempen, who gave a report on the Foundation?s current business. According to him, the Foundation?s current capital campaign to bring in funds will end in August, and has been an overall success. Hempen reported that roughly $2 million has been raised, and that the Foundation is currently coming up with creative ways to continue raising funds and awareness about the Foundation.

Before moving into closed session, the trustees received positive news from the Park Place Annual Survey. Overall, the survey reported high scores and the facility was in compliance with all state and federal regulations and mandates. The officials conducting the survey also commended the Park Place staff for their professionalism and care in executing the proper safety procedures during a tornado warning.

The board ended their meeting by moving into closed session to discuss strategic proprietary information. They will meet in regular session again on Tuesday, June 20, at noon, in the HCHC Board Room.