Commissioners set local provider participation payment rate at 6% to support county hospitals

Monica Faye of the treasurer's office introduced consultants from Adelanto Healthcare Ventures who explained the local provider participation fund (LPPF). Michael Neal said the program allows hospitals to use local payments to draw matching federal funds and 'does not cost the county any money.'

"This does not cost the county any money," Michael Neal said, adding that payments made by hospitals cannot be passed on to patients under state law. The consultants recommended setting the mandatory payment rate at 6% of net inpatient and 6% of net outpatient revenue for participating hospitals.

The court opened a public hearing and, with no speakers signed up, closed the hearing and then approved the resolution setting the rate at 6% for fiscal year 2027; the motion passed unanimously. Commissioners and staff noted the program's history in the county and that participating hospitals include Baylor Scott & White and other local providers, with the stated goal of supporting indigent care and provider stability.