Levy rate increases for HCHC

The levy rate for the Henry County Health Center is increasing from $1.61 to $1.89 for fiscal year 2020.

The board of trustees approved the increase to the county tax budget for the hospital during a regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 19. CEO Robb Gardner cited the impact of the privatization of Medicaid as a reason for the levy increase.

Gardner said the hospital lost $850,000 of reimbursement payment of allowable costs in FY18, and $900,000 in FY17 - almost a $2 million hit.

'We want to continue to have access to services. That's why we're recommending the increase,” Gardner said.

Dave Muhs, chief financial officer of HCHC, said in the past 20 years, HCHC has only raised the levy rate five times.

Gardner also congratulated the board of trustees, medical staff and associates of HCHC for being recognized as a 2019 top 100 critical access hospital in the U.S. by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

The annual top 100 critical access hospitals award is based on results of the hospital strength INDEX from iVantage Health Analytics. They take into consideration everything from inpatient and outpatient operations, patient satisfaction surveys and financial stability, Gardner said.

HCHC was one of 15 critical access hospitals in Iowa to make the top 100 list.

'It's always nice to be recognized by a national organization,” Gardner said. 'It's an indication we're doing the right work.”

The board will be opening bids to replace the air handler in the area of the hospital built in 1956, which includes the administration offices.

The board approved a new air handler unit, which heats and cools the building, last year. The estimated cost of the project is $310,000.

Bids will be opened on Thursday, March 21, at 10 a.m. in classroom A1 of the hospital.

A public hearing will be held in April to accept the lowest bid. The exact date will be determined during the next HCHC board of trustees meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at HCHC.