Bucks County Blog

Bucks County to Update Community on Resolution to Lower Bucks Hospital Issue

January 23rd, 2008

Weeks after it was at risk of closing its doors, the Lower Bucks Hospital psychiatric unit will remain open for the foreseeable future, thanks to a resolution arrived at with the urging of the Bucks County commissioners. The 24-bed unit would have closed at the beginning of next month.  Instead, good news will be delivered by newly-elected Commissioner Diane M. Ellis Marseglia to agencies and stakeholders at a meeting to be held tomorrow.

The hospital was facing financial troubles because insurance reimbursements were falling short of costs, creating an annual half-million dollar deficit. Following negotiations with the hospital, insurance provider Magellan, and Health and Human Services Acting Director Joe Funk, Lower Bucks patients will be able to continue their care in the convenient location. Magellan has agreed to increase its reimbursement rate.

“On a daily basis, the county is focused on providing better access and better services to the residents of Bucks County,” noted Commissioner Chairman James F. Cawley, who sits on the hospital’s board of directors. “We’re thrilled that we were able to sit down at the table and agree on a solution that will have a positive impact on those we serve.”

The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 24 at 5 p.m. at the Middletown Township Municipal Building, 3 Municipal Way, Langhorne.

Entry Filed under: Bucks County News