SUMMARY MINUTES
BUDGET PRESENTATION MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
June 8, 2021
1:00 PM
TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Barbara Bodnar
Ann Marie McCrystal Kerry Bartlett
Karen Deigl Michael Weiss
Allen Jones
STAFF: Jennifer Frederick Kate Voss
Jennifer Peshke, Esq.
Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman
Mrs. Cunningham convened the budget presentation meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 1:00 PM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person.
FY 21-22 Funding Requests-
Senior Collaborative- Randy Riley, Executive Director
Mr. Riley provided a review of the Senior Collaborative funding request and stated that they are requesting $22,500 which is a $5,000 increase from last fiscal year. The increase in funding will be used towards additional marketing, to expand the collaboratives awareness to the public. There was group discussion surrounding the Senior Collaborative mission and how they differ from other referral centers in the county. The Trustees also discussed other funding sources that the Collaborative could access to support their mission. Mr. Riley stated that while he understands that the Collaborative does not provide direct healthcare services, they do provide a collaborative approach to obtain healthcare services for their clients. It was also suggested that the District, City of Vero Beach, and County Commission should meet to discuss how to best collaborate in providing referral and information services to seniors and how to reduce duplication in efforts. Mr. Riley thanked the Trustees for their support last fiscal year with the start up funding and stated he realizes that the District may not be the most appropriate funding source for the Collaborative moving forward.
Phoenix Rising- Pedro Bernabe, CEO
Mr. Bernabe addressed the board and thanked them for their continued support of Phoenix Rising. He stated that the center is requesting a total of $505,000 in funding which is an increase of $85,000 from last fiscal year. There was group discussion surrounding the increase request, which Mr. Bernabe attributed to an increase of clients seeking treatment. The Trustees requested clarification and revision to the budget schedule within the funding request, to reflect the correct projected number of clients they anticipate serving. Additionally, there was discussion surrounding alternative funding sources for the center and Mr. Bernabe indicated that they receive additional revenue from self-pay patients, as well as private insurance reimbursement. Currently they are not credentialed to accept Medicaid or Medicare patients for reimbursement. There was also discussion surrounding the length of stay for a patient during treatment and what safety nets are in place after treatment is completed. The Trustees requested a breakdown of patient data surrounding clients who have remained sober after completing treatment at Phoenix Rising. Further, Mr. Bernabe indicated that Phoenix Rising works collaboratively with United Against Poverty and Dynamic Life, in helping clients obtain life skills, job opportunities and sober living arrangements. The Trustees thanked Mr. Bernabe for his continued efforts in helping those in our community with alcohol and substance abuse issues.
TCCH- Vicki Soule, CEO
Mrs. Soule provided a review of the TCCH funding request for fiscal year 21-22. She discussed the funding increase to the three service areas TCCH provides. They are requesting an additional $761,264 for primary care services; $108,080 increase for behavioral health services; and $125,324 for dental services. The total funding request of $3,182,054, is an increase of $994,668 from last fiscal year. Ms. Soule discussed the cost per service for those service areas and stated that the cost per service is calculated by the difference between the actual cost of care for indigent residents and payments received for medical services. With the exception of patients meeting the criteria for homelessness and others who are unable to pay the nominal fee, all patients are expected to pay something for services rendered. She further explained that TCCH has increased their cost per service amount from the District. Additionally, they have also increased salaries and benefits to employees and physicians, to remain competitive with other healthcare agencies. There was discussion surrounding the reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid. The group also discussed additional revenue TCCH receives from Federal and State grants. Mrs. Soule indicated that TCCH just completed its next three-year strategic plan and spoke to their goals for the upcoming year. One of the main initiatives is that TCCH will be transitioning to the EPIC electronic health records system, which is also used by Cleveland Clinic. Mrs. Soule stated that TCCH mission remains to provide accessible, cost effective, high quality, comprehensive healthcare to all persons, regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances.
Other Business
Mrs. Cunningham stated that she and Mrs. Suriano received the House Bill 1103 Analysis and provided the Trustees with a copy of the same. There was group discussion surrounding the requirements of the bill and that formal communication to all Special Districts outlining compliance with those requirements, has yet to be distributed by the state. In meeting with Representative Grall, she indicated that the compliance requirements will be distributed by the Auditor General and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity with in the next few months. Additionally, the District has asked Senator Debbie Mayfield to address the board next week at the Chairman’s meeting to hear her interpretation of the bill. The Board also plans to hear from Representative Grall next month at the July Chairman’s meeting to discuss the same. Mrs. Peshke stated that she will also update the Trustees with any additional information that she may obtain.
Public Comment & Adjourn
Mrs. Cunningham asked for public comment and there was none. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM.
