KDSN RADIO News
MRHC Addresses National Report: Reaffirms Financial Strength and Commitment to Community Care
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(Iowa State Auditor, Rob Sand, visited Manning Regional Healthcare Center on Saturday, July 5th, and met with hospital board member, Dave Muhlbauer; CEO Shannon Black; and Director of the Recovery Center, Taya Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC.)
In response to a recent politically driven report highlighting rural hospitals with a high percentage of Medicaid patients, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is offering reassurance to its staff, patients, and the communities it serves.
The report, circulated as part of a national policy debate around proposed Medicaid cuts, flagged MRHC based solely on its high Medicaid patient mix, placing the hospital in the top 10% of rural facilities in the country by this metric. While this designation may seem alarming, MRHC leadership emphasizes that it is not an accurate reflection of the hospital’s financial health or operational viability.
“We proudly serve all members of our community, including many who rely on Medicaid,” said MRHC CEO, Shannon Black. “That metric alone doesn’t tell the full story. MRHC is financially strong, well-managed, and not in danger of closing. We’ve long been proactive in monitoring healthcare policy changes, and we’ll continue to advocate for decisions that protect the patients and communities we serve.”
Black stressed that the report was not based on recent performance or risk of closure but was instead used as a communication tool between lawmakers to support positions on national Medicaid policies.
“We understand that seeing our name on such a list may cause concern,” Black added. “But inclusion in the report was not a reflection of financial weakness; it’s proof that we’re fulfilling our mission to care for all, including the most vulnerable.”
Over the holiday weekend, Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand made time to visit MRHC in person to better understand the hospital’s position and to discuss how the state can support rural healthcare providers navigating funding uncertainty. He toured the facility and met with leadership to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing rural health systems.
“We appreciated the opportunity to share how MRHC is working every day to meet local health needs while remaining financially responsible and future-focused,” said Black.
Key Takeaways for the Community:
- MRHC is financially stable and operationally sound.
- The hospital is not at risk of closure.
- Leadership remains vigilant in monitoring state and federal policy developments.
- MRHC remains committed to serving all patients, including those insured through Medicaid.
- Open, honest communication remains a priority as MRHC continues to advocate for rural healthcare.
