Hennepin Healthcare Employees Bear Insurance Costs for Budget Fix
TL/DR –
Hennepin Healthcare is facing a $127-million budget shortfall which CEO, Jennifer DeCubellis, plans to eliminate through a proposed budget that includes a revenue increase, restructuring contracts, and raising employee health insurance premiums. The healthcare provider plans to invest in more paramedics and nurses under the new budget. However, the plan has faced opposition from unions such as the Minnesota Nurses Association and the Hennepin County Association of Paramedics and EMTs, due to higher insurance premiums, the loss of some prescription medication coverage, and increasing deductibles.
Hennepin Healthcare’s $127-million Budget Shortfall and Proposed Solution
Hennepin Healthcare is faced with a $127-million budget deficit. However, CEO Jennifer DeCubellis ensures a proposed budget plan aimed at addressing this financial gap. The proposed 2024 budget includes investments in more paramedics, nurses, and staff for clinical care services, citing these patient-facing roles as crucial.
The budget plan involves a projected 6% increase in revenue, restructuring contracts with insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and a 5% boost in the health insurance premiums for its 7,000 workers. DeCubellis stressed that while healthcare workers are doing remarkable work, the current financing of health care is unsustainable.
Sam Erickson, the Vice President of the Hennepin County Association of Paramedics and EMTs, mentioned that the hike in health insurance premiums isn’t the issue. However, he voiced concerns about the higher deductibles and removal of some prescription medications, which are not supported by his union or the Minnesota Nurses Association.
Erickson expressed their sense of betrayal, emphasizing the essential role of their members during the COVID-19 pandemic, answering calls and providing ambulance services. Meanwhile, Jeremy Olson-Ehlert, who leads the Hennepin Healthcare Minnesota Nurses Association, also mentioned the financial burden of higher deductibles and the loss of some prescription medication coverage.
The final decision on the proposed Hennepin Healthcare budget will be made by the full Hennepin County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.
Health Care
Hennepin County
Hennepin County Medical Center
Hennepin Healthcare
Jay Kolls
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