CCHD to benefit from state direct-funded Medicaid programs again this year

DAYTON—The administration at the Columbia County Hospital District (CCHD) has received notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid that federal dollars are available again this year for Washington State’s direct-funded Medicaid programs.

Fifty-seven state-wide public hospital districts, including CCHD, rely on the Washington State Safety Net Assessment and the Distressed Hospital Grant to maintain a satisfactory level of care. During the first quarter of this year, hospital administrators, concerned about the potential loss of federal dollars, began planning and implementing cost-cutting measures.

At that time, CCHD CEO Shane McGuire said there was no way to absorb any revenue cuts without cutting services, and the administration was poised to address a $2.6 million budget shortfall.

The exact amount of federal funds the state will receive this year is still unknown; however, McGuire said he is grateful and cautiously optimistic.

“We very well may end up fighting for it again next year, but we’ll take that as it comes,” said McGuire.