NVH Newsletter July 2025
Reconciliation Bill:
On July 4th, the One Bill Beautiful Bill (OBBB) was signed into law, enacting wide-sweeping changes to the healthcare landscape. The largest impacts will begin in 2027 and 2028 with the start of Medicaid work requirements and cuts to state-directed payment programs. Starting in 2026, NVH may have access to temporary funding designed to support access to care, but the total amount of the funding is modest compared to the Medicaid cuts.
Most of the Medicaid patients we care for will meet the eligibility requirements, but they will have to manage the additional paperwork to prove and maintain their access to Medicaid.
We will still provide hospital care to any patients who are not eligible or don’t meet the requirements, but in most cases, we will not be compensated.
There are still many aspects of these changes that are unknown, including the process the state will use for validation and how various healthcare entities can support eligible patients with enrollment and reenrollment.
Medicaid Cuts & Consequences for Okanogan County:
If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming changes to Medicaid, its impact on healthcare delivery, and on our healthcare organizations, consider attending this community discussion:
July 29th 6:30-8:00pm
Okanogan PUD Auditorium
Four speakers will present on the following topics:
How Medicaid Works: Peter Morgan Retired Healthcare Executive
Caring for Families: Dr. Kevan Coffey Medical Director Family Health Centers
The Future of Our Hospitals & Long-term Care: John McReynolds CEO North Valley Hospital
Mental Health and Addiction Services: David McClay CEO Okanogan County Behavioral Health
Quality Excellence Award:
For the third year in a row, North Valley Hospital has earned recognition for success in implementing health care clinical excellence initiatives. Our CEO, John, accepted the award on behalf of NVH at the recent Rural Health Leadership Conference. This is our first GOLD achievement! Cassandra Fox, Quality Mgr., diligent in submitting the data that earns us the recognition, also works with the departments to develop meaningful quality measures, tracked and reported at the quarterly quality meetings.
Pat Gauthier:
Former employee Pat Gauthier passed away on June 29th after an extended illness. Pat was a great nurse and an even better storyteller. With her years of experience curing wounds, she single-handedly brought this service to NVH, and her legacy lives on with those who worked with and trained with her. There will be a potluck Celebration of Life on August 9th 1pm, at the CCC.