Hospital leaders highlight state legislation win, insurer talks and foundation fundraising push

The board heard updates on government relations, community marketing and foundation fundraising.

Jerry Maynard reported that efforts to secure an "essential hospitals" federal designation stalled during the election cycle but that a bipartisan state bill passed to allow state employees (and some retirees) to access services with waived out-of-pocket costs; he estimated the change could bring $10 million to $20 million in additional patient volume and revenue if fully realized. Maynard said the hospital had been working with Senator Heidi Campbell and other state leaders; he also said hospital staff had been negotiating with Blue Cross Blue Shield to avoid sending bills to employees while eligibility and billing systems are finalized.

Marketing staff described a proactive media program, noting more than 50 features at local and national levels and frequent coverage of the no-wait ED and Bordeaux imaging center. The foundation's leader asked board members to serve as connectors with corporate donors and to aim for 100% participation in the leadership giving campaign; the foundation highlighted recent donations (a golf cart, art cart) and fundraising priorities such as transportation and survivorship programs.

Board members applauded the outreach and requested a strategy session to discuss land and strategy for a potential new hospital outside the public meeting setting.