University of Iowa hospitals seek 6% service cost hike

Alia Paavola -

Iowa City-based University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is seeking approval to raise rates for its services by 6 percent as it grapples with leadership changes and a weaker-than-budgeted operating performance, according to The Gazette.

The proposed rate bump would go into effect July 1, and is imperative in helping the hospital's bottom line, according to UIHC administrators.

Last year, UIHC saw an operating income nearly 50 percent under budget. This caused a deficit of $7.2 million. While the organization has made steps to improve the deficit since the beginning of the year, there is still room for improvement.

Many patients won't feel any direct impact from the 6 percent rate change; however, payers and patients who pay for themselves will.

Each year for nearly a decade, UIHC leadership has requested and received approval from the Board of Regents to enact similar price hikes. The board will vote on the rate hike request in its April meeting.

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