Melanie Wilson, who recently stepped into the role of interim CFO at Duluth, Minn.-based Essentia Health, is keeping a close eye on the changing healthcare landscape at a time when federal and state policy shifts loom.
Ms. Wilson told Becker’s during a “CFO + Revenue Cycle Podcast” episode that the ramifications of potential Medicaid funding cuts would be significant, particularly in rural areas such as the ones Essentia Health serves.
“About 84% of our service area is classified as rural,” she said. “Political movements around grants and value-based payment models aren’t just policy, they directly affect patient access and our organizational sustainability. Our continued financial stress on healthcare will jeopardize access to care in our rural communities across America.”
Essentia leadership is closely monitoring potential changes and conducting scenario planning and stress testing strategies to ensure the health system remains agile. Ms. Wilson emphasized the need for strong, consistent advocacy, and for healthcare leaders to have a seat at the table when important decisions are being made.
On a separate note, Ms. Wilson highlighted her excitement around an April 23 prior authorization reform bill signed by North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong. The bill, which Essentia supported, aims to ease provider administrative burdens and improve care access for patients.
Along with Minnesota, Essentia operates hospitals in Wisconsin and North Dakota. Ms. Wilson said the bill passing helps ensure patients get the care they need in a timely manner without having to tackle additional administrative requirements.
“Healthcare has become so complex, with so much administrative burden, it’s creating burnout in our clinicians,” Ms. Wilson said. “It’s increasing our cost, and any way we can help reduce that is helping ease some of those headwinds that we are all facing.”
