Jack County Hospital District Approves FY 2025-2026 Budget Amid Shifting Medicare Payer Mix
The Jack County Hospital District's Faith Community Health System (FCH) board has approved the annual budget for fiscal year 2025-2026, forecasting a net income of $377,929. The budget outlines total income before expenses at over $60.4 million and total operating and non-operating expenses slightly lower at $60.1 million, reflecting a carefully coordinated financial planning effort involving department-level operational statistics.
Capital expenditure plans include $176,999 allocated for surgical equipment, respiratory therapy, dietary services, emergency room enhancements, IT infrastructure, and wellness center needs. Additionally, the EMS department is considering procuring two new ambulances, potentially financed through the newly enacted Texas Rural Ambulance Service Grant Program, which offers grants up to $500,000 depending on county population size.
House Bill 3000, passed earlier in 2025, established this grant program to support rural emergency services, aiming to improve ambulance availability and emergency response in underserved Texas regions. This legislative development could positively impact the hospital's EMS capabilities and rural healthcare infrastructure.
Revenue strategy discussions highlighted a trend of shifting payer mix, with hospital officials seeking to reduce Medicare Advantage claims in favor of traditional Medicare, reflecting broader regional trends. In 2020, Medicare Advantage claims constituted 16% compared to 31% for traditional Medicare; by 2025, Medicare Advantage claims rose to 23%, prompting a coordinated educational campaign among local hospitals to inform patients about the comparative impacts on hospital reimbursement.
FCH CEO Frank Beaman noted that securing payments from Medicare Advantage plans remains challenging, signaling ongoing efforts to monitor claims and payer policies. This payout dynamic is critical for maintaining hospital financial health amid evolving insurance market conditions. The budget approval and strategic initiatives underscore the hospital’s focus on sustainable operations and enhanced rural healthcare access.