A tough economy and rising unemployment affects those with and without health insurance.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN -- With the unemployment rate reaching double digits in the state, thousands of people without a job are likely out of heath insurance. It's a sad statistic Northern Michigan medical facilities know all too well. Not wanting to cost people their health, the cost of services continues to rise affecting us all.
"Part of our responsibility as a non-for-profit hospital, certainly is to accept anyone at anytime with insurance or not in the Emergency Room," said Ed Carlson, Chief Financial Officer of Munson Medical Center.
The cost of what's known as "charity care" adds up fast. At Munson Medical Center, it's an anticipated $12.5 million this year. Along with $15 million in bad debt, plus the price of Medicare and Medicaid.
"That comes out of the operations of the hospital," said Carlson. "We have to have rates and make revenue above that."
Meaning those with insurance suffer too. Their rates and co-pays go up.
"Some would even go so far to say it's a hidden tax," said Carlson. "Call it an extra burden for those who have insurance, but that's definitely the cost of those who have insurance paying for the unfunded mandates."
Munson is not the only one dealing with the dilemma. There are other community resources where a record number of people are turning for help. Many of whom have never done so before. The phones ring constantly at the Traverse Health Clinic, with callers hoping to see if they qualify for free care. In just three months, they've received 21% more inquiries than the same time a year before.
"As we get more people and our services expand, which we want to happen, we do need the dollars to go up," said Sherri Fenton, Development Director at the Traverse Health Clinic. "We're actually operating on the same amount we received from state and federal funding."
As they stretch every dollar and apply for more, it's people in the community who donate the time and money to help them keep up.
"I think when people have the means and see that others are in need, they come forth even more," said Fenton. "We had a wonderful year-end campaign and our volunteerism is actually up."
While volunteers help fill the gap at the Traverse Health Clinic, the overwhelmed Grand Traverse County Health Department wishes they had more staff. Their numbers are also up. Take WIC or Women, Infant and Child services. More than half the babies born in the county last year are enrolled in the federally-funded program for food and medical care.
"We can ask for an increase in our caseload for WIC which would give us some more revenue," said Fred Keesler. "We may have to go back to the county to see if they can help or we'll have to cap our services."
They feel lucky about already getting more than one million dollars a year from the county. In order to meet the growing need, they need more funding. Taxes are always one option.
"There's going to be hard choices for our County Commission as it is for every local government. And our state government. Where do we go when the well goes dry and what priorities can they help? " said Keesler. "Health isn't everything. They have to do the roads and other vital services. We just don't know how long we'll be enduring this recession and how we're going to cope with it."
The agencies are keeping a close eye on national politics as well, waiting to see what President Obama will do when it comes to health insurance and funding for programs.
