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Commission adopts amended rate resolution for local provider participation fund covering private hospitals
Summary
Okaloosa County adopted an amended rate resolution to continue a local-provider participation assessment on private hospitals; county staff said the measure was requested by the hospitals to ensure the county remains grandfathered if the state imposes new caps on such assessments.
The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners on July 1 adopted an amended rate resolution for the local provider participation fund, continuing special non-ad valorem assessments on private hospitals in the county.
Background: County Attorney Ms. Ochavara noted the agenda listed an ordinance but the item is a resolution. The assessment program, adopted last year, covers primarily three private hospitals in Okaloosa County and was requested by local hospital leadership to sustain a funding mechanism that supports Medicaid and related hospital reimbursement programs.
Hospital representatives in the room included David Elliott of Analanto Healthcare, who said the assessments are funds paid by hospitals (not a county tax) that help hospitals treat Medicaid patients and maintain a local safety net. He and the county explained hospitals asked for an amended rate resolution to preserve grandfathering under potential new state-imposed caps on assessments.
Board action: After public hearing with no additional speaker cards, the board voted unanimously to adopt the amended rate resolution. Staff entered letters of support from hospital CEOs and board chairs into the record and said the program is renewed annually at the board’s discretion.
Next steps: County staff will administer the assessment under the terms of the adopted resolution and continue coordination with hospital consultants for required reporting and program compliance.
