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Kossuth Regional reports leaving Humana and Aetna Medicare Advantage; inpatient census and ER visits rose in December
Summary
Kossuth Regional officials told the board they are now out of network with Humana and Aetna Medicare Advantage plans, are still in-network with several other insurers, and reported a December inpatient census increase and the hospital’s busiest ER month of the year.
Cole Connell, chief financial officer for Kossuth Regional, updated supervisors on hospital operations and payer relationships.
“...we are now out of network with Humana Medicare Advantage,” Cole Connell said, adding the hospital is also out of network with Aetna Medicare Advantage but remains in‑network with several other plans. Connell told the board staff are working to help patients transition to alternate participating plans where possible.
Connell reported that the inpatient average daily census rose from five in November to eight in December and that the hospital’s emergency department experienced its busiest month of the year in December. He said the pattern — heavier inpatient and ED usage in December — is common in winter months. Connell also said hospital leadership is beginning budget planning for equipment purchases and larger capital needs in the coming year.
Board members asked about board of health supervision and meeting cadence; Connell said hospital leadership plans to attend quarterly board meetings to provide broader updates.
No formal action was taken; the update was informational. Hospital leadership will return with routine quarterly updates and further budget information as needed.
