Summary
The Citrus County Hospital Board (CCHB) in Florida plans to close after a long legal conflict over Medicaid payments. The board's decision follows a settlement involving $650,000 paid to resolve payment disputes with Florida’s health agency. The board was originally set up to run public hospitals for residents.
Key Facts
- CCHB has been operating for 75 years in Citrus County, Florida.
- The board oversees HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, formerly Citrus Memorial Hospital.
- The legal disputes started in 2006 over alleged Medicaid overpayments.
- A 2017 audit claimed the hospital involved over $5.8 million in overpayments.
- In June 2024, the parties settled for $650,000 after years of negotiations.
- The hospital board members are appointed for four-year terms and can manage hospital operations.
- CCHB will discuss the closure process with the Citrus County Commission on October 21.
- The board intends to end its operations due to these unresolved legal and financial issues.
