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Council approves agreement with Willapa Harbor Hospital for jail medical costs
Summary
The council approved an agreement with Willapa Harbor Hospital to formalize billing for medical care for people in custody; presenters said the contract secures roughly a 50–52% discount and clarifies the city's responsibility while a person is in custody.
Councilors approved an agreement between the South Bend Police Department (jail) and Willapa Harbor Hospital to clarify billing practices and obtain discounts for medical care provided to people in custody.
The police/jail presenter explained that when someone in custody requires medical clearance or treatment the city is responsible for those costs while the person remains in custody. He said the negotiated agreement provides roughly a 50–52% discount on hospital bills for cases covered by the contract and limits the city's obligation to the period the person remains in custody.
Council members discussed indigent care rules, the hospital’s billing processes and options for recovering costs (for example adding jail-related costs to restitution where appropriate). The police/jail director said medical costs comprise a relatively small share of the jail budget (he estimated less than 10%) and staff said they have systems to mitigate large bills. The council moved and approved the agreement at the meeting.
