Louisiana Rural Health Policy Forum

When a major Medicare Advantage payer unilaterally terminated St. James Parish Hospital's participating provider agreement, the organization faced the potential loss of nearly 20% of its annual revenue. The decision came without warning, explanation, or consideration of the impact on local healthcare access and the rural community the hospital serves. This presentation tells the story of how a small, independent rural hospital responded to a potentially devastating financial and operational challenge. Attendees will learn about the multifaceted strategy employed to assess risk, communicate with patients and stakeholders,
engage providers and community leaders, manage operational and financial impacts, and preserve access to care.