Excelsior Springs (Mo.) Hospital will close its home health and hospice services, effective April 30, the Excelsior Citizen reported.
Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart attributed the decision to stagnant insurance reimbursements, higher operational costs and unpredictable denials from insurers.
“One insurer has had a rate of $90 per visit for the last 15 years and refuses to budge,” Ms. DeHart said, according to the Excelsior Citizen. “That amount has to cover a nurse or therapist’s time, supplies and travel, and it simply doesn’t cover costs anymore.”
According to the hospital, the closure will affect approximately 120 patients and 22 employees. The hospital expects to retain several of the affected workers in other roles, the newspaper reported.
Excelsior Springs Hospital employs more than 300 people total, according to its website.
