[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6307758,"mediaKeyId","2428505-f6cb4dae8acf96725ac3c2ad2ca8f5f7","parentId",2428505,"title","Blue Cross Blue Shield reviews Pratt County group health data; renewal expected modest","audioSeconds",961,"startMs",85000,"endMs",1046000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2428505-f6cb4dae8acf96725ac3c2ad2ca8f5f7&start=85&end=1046","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2428505-f6cb4dae8acf96725ac3c2ad2ca8f5f7/thumbnail_85000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6307758/Pratt-County/Kansas/Blue-Cross-Blue-Shield-reviews-Pratt-County-group-health-data-renewal-expected-modest","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307758-a01ef674b2a9a8f9e64b09862a5f142b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123676&Signature=WGwZ27VPta4-fnEciFBwWuDRC6J7PXPBWE~Zp7vkCIETXNkLPtG~zI-mvhN-UQseYYtQ0cd0ghpfm08m5mMSgvpPOtdxcKz6tK9BhL18kQToP6y-W6OrLX8if47M~FpQMaE3VGhhs8667NQYwUdOqgrcJxUc4Z04qNtXnacJALCIvKwks8v60Jv2yeRPlbNSTKJz-LPs3jhBC5wVJNp0mA3cdxNLPUVFwvDfihkEqoOJrRm1c9t~jXm2BccWnPZCl9rajilwBwa9T~PisG2~dMO-hDVxxC8sikYoslqEzgxQU~YaUR~EZX65cA--AgHUcioYUGHsRE0ELZ1ZiVfwfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pratt County, KS","date","2025-02-24T00:00:00Z","article","A Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas representative presented the county’s group health and dental plan utilization and a preview of the upcoming renewal.

Patrick, the insurer’s account representative, reviewed per-member-per-month (PMPM) comparisons, loss-ratio trends and the plan’s top cost drivers. He said the county’s current-year medical utilization sits close to last year’s levels and is comparable to the carrier’s book of business; pharmacy utilization has increased in recent years and is the primary upward driver in this renewal preview. The carrier’s report identified the top 25 medications and diagnosis categories by cost; a single specialty medication for one member was noted as a significant pharmacy driver.

Patrick explained that the loss-ratio figures were run on Feb. 9 and could change as late claims are processed and as the renewal projection accounts for IBNR (incurred but not reported) claims. He told commissioners he expected a “positive” renewal (meaning modest or no large increase) and said the county could likely expect a renewal figure within about a month, though he declined to give a firm percentage.

The Blue Cross representative provided detailed multi-page reports to commissioners and offered to return to discuss the formal renewal once calculated. There was no formal action on insurance matters at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pratt County Commission Meeting 2/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Blue Cross Blue Shield representative presented a renewal snapshot to Pratt County commissioners, reporting medical claims roughly stable year-to-year and pharmacy costs rising; a formal renewal figure is expected within about a month.","taxTitle","Pratt County, Kansas","taxId",52188,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307764,"Pratt Regional Medical Center reports $11M in recent past-due patient accounts; hospital pursues cost cuts and revenue options",1139,4609000,5748000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2428505-f6cb4dae8acf96725ac3c2ad2ca8f5f7&start=4609&end=5748","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2428505-f6cb4dae8acf96725ac3c2ad2ca8f5f7/thumbnail_4609000.jpg","/articles/6307764/Pratt-County/Kansas/Pratt-Regional-Medical-Center-reports-11M-in-recent-past-due-patient-accounts-hospital-pursues-cost-cuts-and-revenue-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307764-91a06f6679e6a6772abf1ccc09f6f89b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123676&Signature=Ndxv~171~QYK4EZJ46o8y4o4la6PJHAYpWg5tVOqeN9qwGU20xU54ECCgQGCnc0M3VEu7IacLONpuHB1I8bDMc7pa7Whlvx9mGmO40JreM2pVHFgqqZ5x4H02oE-1ogbkVPQHhdCYki4d5~UpOALVJf3vszRPaI76GHmSQ1Pe5BOfZvzOlAVYeuJDVs-kG7mw-XNbBI3ZDfHWg-8Pkxbni~a6HLXNpSR87qgnrXXJ5upUptUHLYdmL53M4qBlhnuEDBb3Kk8H5mOSzI1DhHjfNJuF7Mvbu93magMLtHBwwn~NI45nvGmhw4ETcUNeOUa8Qd88uPU~7AcjMTJkrzJ7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pratt Regional Medical Center officials briefed the Pratt County Board of Commissioners on the hospital’s financial condition, reporting significant operational losses in recent years and more than $11 million in accounts receivable within the last two years.

A hospital representative told commissioners the county-owned facility has used several temporary programs over the past decade to bridge funding gaps but is now facing a sharper mismatch between rising costs and stagnant reimbursement. The meeting noted national and state analyses showing hundreds of rural hospitals at risk amid a 35% increase in hospital expenses over the last three years (2021–2023 data referenced by the Kansas Hospital Association).

Tanya Powell, introduced in the meeting as interim chief financial officer for Pratt Regional Medical Center, told commissioners the hospital is pursuing multiple measures to reduce costs and increase revenue. Measures discussed included: a hiring freeze for nonessential positions, a 10% pay reduction for the hospital’s senior administration, reduced use of agency/contract labor (agency nursing FTEs reduced from ~18 to 9.6 since mid‑2024), cancellation of nonessential software subscriptions (roughly $80,000 in annual savings noted), and exploring service options with minimal upfront costs (for example, arranging mobile PET/CT services on a contracted truck).

Powell said the hospital is also pursuing outside assessments: a strategic, operational and financial assessment offered through the National Rural Hospital Association and USDA (no-cost eligibility for hospitals with USDA-financed equipment) and a separate clinic assessment. The hospital expects both assessments and specific recommendations to be available around mid‑April.

The hospital reported it applied for an Employee Retention Credit amounting to $4.3 million and had expected payment by the end of 2024; hospital officials said the program is currently on hold at the federal level and payment is uncertain. Officials said that, if received, that payment would materially change the hospital’s cash position.

Commissioners asked how they would be kept informed. Hospital leaders offered to provide monthly financial statements and to share the assessments and any substantive plans resulting from them. The hospital’s board said it does not currently intend to ask Pratt County for ad hoc operating tax support; officials said a potential future revenue request would likely prioritize a sales-tax option over a property tax (mill levy), in part because a large portion of sales tax collections come from nonresident activity.

No formal county action was taken at the meeting; commissioners requested the hospital provide monthly updates on finances and to share the mid‑April assessments when available.","Hospital leaders told Pratt County commissioners the facility faces sustained operational losses, $11 million in past-due accounts (90-day measure), and are implementing cost reductions, revenue-generating services and outside assessments to stabilize operations.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6307768,"Pratt County commissioners adopt rural opportunity zone resolution, award road and county projects; other motions approved",828,1186000,2014000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2428505-f6cb4dae8acf96725ac3c2ad2ca8f5f7&start=1186&end=2014","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2428505-f6cb4dae8acf96725ac3c2ad2ca8f5f7/thumbnail_1186000.jpg","/articles/6307768/Pratt-County/Kansas/Pratt-County-commissioners-adopt-rural-opportunity-zone-resolution-award-road-and-county-projects-other-motions-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6307768-611c33bc39548d307af0f9b2451194dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771123676&Signature=k5ts8bUaXVxzxyo3uYIbLL7far5GzPxchYsgrmNAAODzxRX7upO~LCOk4vwFJ-X4XX~Rya9y50LPc0MyrwJ8QOM4c7qarvYyihu2YhyTKAAWRCjFJmwHv4pqnfk2HqqPeVWbxpUmIU1Ykhg2gq~OYjPV4ZyizzuwrxY4Eot-WL~5ewASK3P-kOFYemEADovivF3j9BfUG3jvVY~qHgvSYNm9gYHZ-cdZDL9QxaIE1SmRXohIQaFCtb1iSg6CIhWEYY-9GIffEj2yZUX6g-~63~glYXd7Rs5O4V6w0AdH9M9liZYEEyY0QnEhaVcvOw6IAU3N6woUrYQtY55gjg1obw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pratt County Board of Commissioners voted on a series of resolutions, contracts and budget items during its Feb. 24 meeting, including authorizing participation in the state’s Rural Opportunity Zone program and awarding an overlay contract for Northeast 30th Street (the “Ethanol Plant Road”).

The board adopted the annual rural opportunity zone resolution for calendar year 2025, allowing local employers and the county to participate in the Kansas Department of Commerce program. The board recorded the resolution under internal file number 02242025 and approved it by voice vote.

In procurement actions, commissioners opened and reviewed three bids for the Northeast Thirtieth Street overlay: APAC Kansas ($574,482.09), Venture Corporation ($544,665.60) and Heft and Sons LLC ($486,297.94). The board awarded the project to Heft and Sons LLC as the lowest responsible bidder and directed staff to prepare contract documents and the notice of award. The county’s engineer had estimated $608,851.25 for the project; all bids were below that estimate.

Other contracts and procurement motions approved included:
- Acceptance of the low bid for chip-seal/rock screening work (company listed in the record as “Tornado”) for two stone/tonnage line items (1,500 tons at $33.40/ton and 900 tons at $46.35/ton). The board approved the low bid by voice vote.
- Approval of Advanced Seal’s spray-foam insulation quote for the back half of the county barn, estimated at $24,007.32, and authorization to proceed.
- Approval of a painting contract with Sanchez Painting to repaint the front three offices of the clerk’s area for $1,996.88.
- Authorization of an amendment to the Kirkham & Michael engineering contract for additional services related to the county server barn project in the amount of $24,150.

The board approved routine business items including the Feb. 10, 2025 meeting minutes and payment of the current voucher/payment register.

On program and budget matters, the board approved the 2026 juvenile comprehensive plan and the 2026 adult comprehensive plan and associated budgets for the local community corrections program. The county community corrections director stated expected FY26 funding amounts from KDOC: $312,517.55 (juvenile) and $535,862.06 (adult). Commissioners voted to approve those submissions and sign required documents.

The board also entered and exited multiple executive sessions for non-elected personnel and for attorney-client privileged discussion (including a discussion of a solar project and the county handbook). The minutes record no formal board action resulting directly from those executive sessions.

Votes at a glance (selected items):
- Rural Opportunity Zone resolution (file 02242025): approved (voice vote).
- Northeast Thirtieth St. overlay (Ethanol Plant Road): award to Heft and Sons LLC, $486,297.94: approved.
- Chip-seal/rock screening low bid (company recorded as Tornado): approved (quantities/prices in minutes).
- County barn spray-foam insulation (Advanced Seal): $24,007.32: approved.
- Kirkham & Michael additional services (server barn): $24,150: approved.
- Sanchez Painting (clerk’s office, front 3 rooms): $1,996.88: approved.
- Juvenile comprehensive plan and budget (FY2026): approved.
- Adult comprehensive plan and budget (FY2026): approved.
- Minutes (02/10/2025) and payment register/vouchers: approved.

No votes failed during the meeting; several items required follow-up administrative steps (signatures, contract bonding paperwork and issuance of notices) before work can proceed.","At its Feb. 24 meeting the Pratt County Board of Commissioners approved a rural opportunity zone resolution, awarded multiple construction and maintenance contracts, approved departmental budgets and plans, and authorized several smaller county projects and payments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Blue Cross Blue Shield reviews Pratt County group health data; renewal expected modest

Pratt Regional Medical Center reports $11M in recent past-due patient accounts; hospital pursues cost cuts and revenue options

Pratt County commissioners adopt rural opportunity zone resolution, award road and county projects; other motions approved