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BUCKHANNON -- The Upshur County Commission has authorized an agreement with St. Joseph Hospital to provide health care services to low income individuals.
STJ hospital administrator Skip Gjolberg and Eric Strother, director of pharmacy at STJ explained to the commission during a recent meeting the purpose of a 340B drug discount program, which requires drug manufacturers to offer outpatient drugs to eligible health care organizations and covered entities at a discounted fee.
"We are able as a covered entity hospital to purchase some outpatient medication at a discounted price, and then that savings we achieve on those medications is not necessarily visible to the patient, but it's retained by the facility to be able to provide care to the indigent population of people who don't have insurance or any ability to pay," Strother said.
The savings are paid for through the drug companies themselves, Gjolberg added.
Strother further explained that one of the stipulations by the government to be a 340B hospital and receive discounted savings is to have a contract with the local and/or state government agreeing that "you will provide care to the residents of the community regardless of the ability to pay."
Commission president Sam Nolte abstained from voting as he is a member on the STJ board. Commissioner Terry Cutright made a motion to sign the requested agreement, followed by a second from Commissioner Troy "Buddy" Brady.
The agreement states that STJ will provide health care services to low income individuals residing in Upshur County who are not entitled to benefits under Title XVII of the Social Security Act or individuals who are not entitled to assistance under a State of WV plan under that title. By signing the contract, the commission has no obligations under the agreement, and either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice to the other party.
In other news, commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing July as Relay for Life Month in Upshur County. This year's Relay for Life will take place from 5-11 p.m. July 21 at Jawbone Park.
The next Upshur County Commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. July 12 at the Upshur County Courthouse Annex. The commission meetings scheduled for today and Aug. 2 have been canceled.