Congressman Robert Aderholt Visits Northwest Medical Center

After addressing the C3 State of the Region meeting, held at the Pastime Civic Center in Winfield, Alabama, Congressman Robert Aderholt joined CEO Bob Henger, Mayor Randy Price, state representative Tracy Estes, Winfield attorney Bill Atkinson, a hospital board member, for lunch at Northwest Medical Center, before taking a tour of the Winfield hospital. Congressman Aderholt visited with hospital staff members and was given a first-hand look at the services and facilities at Northwest Medical Center.

CEO Bob Henger thanked Mr. Aderholt for his support of the community and shared some of the successes and challenges faced by the healthcare community. Northwest Medical Center is a regional medical center serving Fayette, Lamar and Marion counties and the surrounding communities.

C3 of Northwest Alabama Presents Champion of the Year Award to CEO, Bob Henger

At the 9th Annual State of the Region meeting of the Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance, a cooperative marketing group serving Fayette, Lamar and Marion counties, Northwest Medical Center CEO Bob Henger was presented the prestigious C3 Champion of the Year award. Henger joins past recipients Senator Roger Bedford, Probate Judge William Oswalt of Fayette County, Probate Judge Johnny Rogers from Lamar County and Attorney Bill Atkinson, Former Mayor of Winfield, as well as Steve Foshee, General Manager of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, C3's first Board Chairman Don Waldon and in 2018, Congressman Robert Aderholt.

The C3 Champion Award is presented to a person or persons who best represents in both attitude and leadership that they are dedicated to the growth of Marion, Lamar and Fayette Counties. This is proven by their tireless gifts of time, attention and acts of service to the success of this organization and the people we serve—our members and citizens.

This year's award was presented by hospital board member Bill Atkinson. Mr. Atkinson cited Henger's longstanding dedication and love for the Winfield hospital and his commitment to the community over many years. Mr. Henger has been instrumental not only in leading the hospital but he has also been involved in several community projects such as the Pastime Theatre and Winfield Main Street program.

Northwest Medical Center is appreciative of the leadership Mr. Henger has provided over the years and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition!

Healthcare Costs Will Continue to Rise in 2020

By Bob Henger, CEO, Northwest Medical Center

Editor's Note: This article appeared in the 12-18-19 edition of the Journal Record newspaper.

The rising cost of healthcare remains one of the most pressing issues in the nation, holding the attention and thought process of politicians and industry leaders alike.

The crisis places considerable financial burdens on both providers and patients. In 2017, the national health expenditure increased by 3.9% to $3.5 trillion with $365.5 billion coming from patients' out-of-pocket expenses alone. Total healthcare costs are projected to hit nearly $6 trillion by 2027 according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Budgetary strategies and maintaining financial solvency are the biggest challenges in healthcare today for hospitals and other providers.

The current cost structure in healthcare is not sustainable, particularly as the Medicare population grows. It's a huge budget issue for the government, and there's a lot of citizens out there who need care who aren't getting it. They just can't afford it.

Medicare premiums for basic coverage will rise in 2020, and so will deductibles for doctor and hospital visits. The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and outpatient services such as lab tests and diagnostic screenings, will go up nearly 7% to $144.60, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Premiums are based on income, so Part B beneficiaries with higher incomes will pay even more; $202.40 per month for individuals with annual income between $87,000 and $109,000, for example.

Read more: Healthcare Costs Will Continue to Rise in 2020