County seeks discounts for ACRH patients

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Local News

September 26, 2018 - 11:14 AM

If an effort by Allen County’s health insurance broker, Bukaty Companies, Leawood, is successful, employees of some public entities and private companies would receive discounts on services at Allen County Regional Hospital.
Advantages would be twofold: Patients would pay less and the hospital would see an uptick in patients.
County Counselor Alan Weber told Allen County commissioners Tuesday the outcome being explored likely would result in a multi-tiered plan, the components of which remain yet defined, and would not be fleshed out until participation is determined.
A prerequisite is for those involved, public and private, to be associated with Aetna Insurance group.
Weber added there would be no pricing threshold, in regards to cost of procedures, for hospital services. Savings would be accrued for patients as well as their insurance providers.
If all works out, the hospital’s statistical reach within Allen County should be positively affected.
In response to an observer’s question, Weber said ACRH’s market share of Allen Countians admitted to any hospital was 29 percent, for last reporting period, although that isn’t a totally accurate read.
“That is only for inpatients, those admitted to the hospital, and doesn’t include those who come to the hospital and are transported, such as people who have a heart attack and are taken on” to hospitals in Kansas City or Wichita, he said. Also absent from the statistic is those who receive emergency room care without being admitted and others who have outpatient treatments.
Commissioners voted unanimously to support the Bukaty proposal.

IN OTHER NEWS, commissioners:
— Approved purchase of a Caterpillar dozer and compactor for the landfill for $617,352 from Foley  Equipment Co., Chanute. The bid was second lowest of four, and $70,000 more than a bid from Berry Tractor, Wichita, for a Bomag machine. The Caterpillar bid won favor because it is a heavier machine and a service call from Chanute is just 30 minutes away. The county has used Bomag machines for more than 20 years. The device will be used to distribute and compact solid waste at the county landfill.
— Sold a 2012 extended cab truck, deemed no longer needed, for $3,000 to Iolan Don Leapheart, the lone bidder.
— Briefly discussed wind farm construction, in regards to transport of materials. Bob Garrett, who lives north of LaHarpe, said trucks loaded with rock frequently drove by his home, creating a dust problem. Mitch Garner, director of Public Works, said the designated loaded-truck route was along highways 54 and 59, but those running empty were permitted to follow a more direct route. He will visit with the company doing the hauling. EDP Renewables, the wind farm parent, also has responsibility for application of dust-suppressant material to roads.

 

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