Linn County has entered into a 340B agreement with Mercy Medical Center to provide health care to low-income county residents who aren’t otherwise eligible for Medicare or Medicaid benefits. The agreement, established under Section 340B of the federal Public Health Services Act, allows Mercy to continue its “historic commitment to the provision of health care […]
Linn County has entered into a 340B agreement with Mercy Medical Center to provide health care to low-income county residents who aren’t otherwise eligible for Medicare or Medicaid benefits.
The agreement, established under Section 340B of the federal Public Health Services Act, allows Mercy to continue its “historic commitment to the provision of health care to indigent, uninsured and underinsured residents of Linn County, Iowa,” according to the agreement, which was approved by the Board of Supervisors during their regular meeting Jan. 18.
Under the program,
Mercy Medical Center “will assure that all patients will receive necessary care, as required by law, regardless of ability to pay.”
The program provided over nearly $48.4 million in care in 2022, and their ongoing participation in the program is expected to provide care valued between $35 million and $55 million each year, according to the agreement.
Linn County supervisor Ben Rogers said the agreement is needed because a hospital is required to contract with a state or local government entity in order to provide health care services to low-income individuals under the 340B program.
“This is at no cost to the county taxpayers,” Mr. Rogers said. “It’s just an agreement.”
He said the agreement was reviewed and vetted by the Linn County Attorney’s Office.
The agreement was approved retroactive to Jan. 10 and will continue until terminated by either
Mercy Medical Center or Linn County.
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