Concerns about the financial future of Little Colorado Medical Center (LCMC) circulated in the community of Winslow this week following the passage of a federal budget bill, prompting clarification from hospital leadership. In a press release issued by CEO Travis Udall, he emphasized that the hospital is not closing and remains in a stable financial position.
“We are not closing,” Udall stated. “This is not accurate as we are in a strong and stable financial position currently and are poised for a strong future with investments in more outpatient services and building stronger relationships with our surrounding communities.”
The release explained that speculation about the hospital’s vulnerability due to Medicaid cuts was based on outdated data and that strategic planning is already underway to manage changes in Medicaid, Medicare and insurance reimbursements.
Udall stated, “The data they used is from four to five years ago, we have so many outpatient services that compensate. We know these changes won’t take effect for two years and the hospital is actually in the best financial position it’s been in in a long time.” He also noted that some of the bigger challenges the hospital faces are from private insurance companies denying 100% of first-time claims and from patients who use the emergency room without insurance and do not pay their bills.
This concern came after a letter was written by Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey to President Trump asking him to reconsider the cuts to Medicaid included the Winslow hospital on a list of rural hospitals that may be forced to shut down as a result.
Before LCMC made the statement, Winslow Mayor Birdie Cano addressed the issue publicly, urging residents to contact their congressional representative. “If you are concerned about President Trump’s spending bill, you still have time to voice your concerns to Congressman Crane,” Cano wrote on social media. “We cannot risk losing healthcare benefits for many of our citizens in Winslow, nor can we afford to lose our beloved Little Colorado Medical Center.”
Udall concluded his message by inviting anyone with questions or concerns to contact him directly and said the hospital remains grateful to provide healthcare to the region. Udall has recently reported to the city council on several investments LCMC is making, including a permanent MRI machine and expanded women’s health services such as mammograms, noting that those investments also are not affected by the new legislation.
