December 15, 2009
YKHC's Financial Services and Revenue Management team celebrated the achievement of the FY 09 revenue collection goals in Bethel in November.
Finance Department celebrates FY09 goal achievement
As YKHC's fiscal year drew to a close at the end of September, the Finance Department's Revenue Management team learned their year-long effort to meet their corporate goal of collecting nearly $60 million in third-party collections was successful.
by Joe Demeo, CFO & Dendra Chavez, Assistant Director of Revenue Management
As we read and hear in the news, we all face challenges as Health Care changes. YKHC continually works to be fiscally responsible and aware of these changes. By being proactive, we have lived within our budget and have successfully collected 58.4 milion-$1.54 million more than the FY09 targeted amount of $56.9 million in third party, Medicaid, Medicare and other collections. Many people are to thank for this huge success.
Through a multi-disciplinary team, we revitalized our Siemens computer system, allowing us greater efficiencies and more time to serve our community better. An example of this is the adoption of the SSI computer system, which enabled us to reduce the workload by approximately 90 percent. This enhancement boosted the self esteem of our staff and enabled them to be more self determined. With the support of President/CEO Gene Peltola, 10 Native Hire College students joined the team to tackle a huge backlog.
The Medicaid Outreach program is extremely important to the YK Delta. Education efforts are being rolled out to the public about the benefits patients would have as Medicaid and food stamp recipients. In FY09, 3,531 people applied for Medicaid and 1,568 of them were approved. These recipients helped the Delta by bringing in additional funds to our region.
We continue to look for funding renovation for our long term care facility and other clinics in our region.
Myths and Facts about Third Party Payments
Myth:
It doesn't matter if I apply for Medicare, Medicaid or Denali KidCare, or disclose my private insurance coverage-I am entitled to Indian Health Service (IHS) coverage, free of charge!
Fact:
You are entitled to IHS coverage, but your Medicare, Medicaid, Denali KidCare and disability or private insurance matter a great deal. Customer/owners who enroll in other insurance programs help the entire Native Community by bringing in additional resources and freeing up IHS funds for improvements to services. Customers don't have to pay deductibles or co-payments, regardless of what they sign up for.
Myth:
Applying for Medicare, Medicaid or Denali KidCare coverage is too complicated and isn't worth the time it takes to sign up.
Fact:
YKHC Family Health Resource Representatives can check a customer's eligibility for other insurance coverage during a quick screening, and then, if eligible, will help with the application process to keep it simple. There is no cost to the customer, and the benefit to the whole Native Community is significant. To contact the YKHC Family Health Resource program, call 543-6470.
Myth:
I go to a medical center outside the Alaska Native health system because I have private insurance coverage. This way, I am freeing up a spot for someone without insurance who really needs the care.
Fact:
Customers and employees have created a world-class health system for all Alaska Native and American Indian people in our region. If you are eligible, using the Alaska Native health system for all of your health care supports it financially and honors the work that we do. Using your insurance in the Alaska Native health system brings in important funding needed to maintain and improve services for everyone.
