Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY-06) have jointly sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), expressing strong concerns over a preliminary noncompliance finding issued to Fleming County Hospital during its recent re-certification as a critical access hospital (CAH).

In a letter dated June 24, 2024, CMS cited Fleming County Hospital for failing to meet distance requirements based on a Google Maps assessment of its proximity to Meadowview Regional Medical Center in Maysville, KY. According to CMS, the hospital is 17.8 miles from Meadowview Regional Medical Center, with 13.9 miles of the route on secondary roads and 3.9 miles on primary roads. However, this assessment does not fully account for critical local factors that influence the actual travel distance and the routes most expediently used by residents.

Dr. Paul and Rep. Barr voiced their concerns, stating, “We urge CMS to reconsider its preliminary finding, taking into account real-world conditions and the vital role Fleming County Hospital plays in delivering essential healthcare services to our rural communities. It is crucial that this decision reflects the actual needs of our constituents and does not jeopardize their access to care.”

Fleming County Judge Executive John Sims underscored the importance of the hospital’s designation, saying, “The critical access hospital (CAH) designation for Fleming County Hospital is essential for ensuring that our residents have access to quality healthcare in a convenient location. A failure to re-certify the hospital as a CAH would significantly increase financial uncertainty and hinder our community’s ability to receive the local, quality care they deserve.”

Joe Koch, CEO and Market President of Fleming County Hospital added, “Fleming County Hospital’s critical access hospital (CAH) designation has enabled us to continue to provide and expand access to healthcare services for our rural, underserved communities. Based on the statutory and regulatory requirements and the fact that the law and circumstances have not changed since the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Fleming County Hospital’s application for CAH status in 2019, CMS should find that the hospital continues to meet the requirements for CAH designation during the recent re-certification process.”

The lawmakers emphasized the necessity for CMS to thoroughly review all relevant information provided by Fleming County Hospital, including detailed local maps and data before reaching a final decision. They urged CMS to fully consider the hospital’s significant role in serving the healthcare needs of Fleming County and surrounding areas.