Hospital Service District No. 1, which operates Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital (AKMH), has called for the renewal of a one cent, 10-year tax for paying costs associated with operating, maintaining and improving the facilities of the hospital related to providing emergency medical services.
“Abrom Kaplan needs the support of the voters,” said Lyman Trahan, AKMH administrator. “The hospital has been operating with already limited financial resources. Medicare and Medicaid payments do not cover the costs of operation in most rural hospitals. And now, they are reimbursing at reduced rates, as is private insurance.
“Yet still, the demands of health care services are growing. The one cent sales tax renewal will enhance AKMH’s revenue enough to keep up with the technology and the cost of emergency room operations and to keep doctors in our community.
This tax has been on the tax rolls since 2001. Polling places that will carry this ballot are Jessie Owens Elementary, the Leleux Fire Department, Kaplan Elementary, Indian Bayou Andrew Fire Department, Rene Rost Middle School, Kaplan High School, E. Broussard /FIEB Elementary, Pecan Island Fire Station, North Vermilion High School, and Meaux Elementary.
Mayor Kirk Champagne also stressed the importance of supporting the local hospital.
“Without medical care, many will be left unemployed, hospital professionals will be forced to leave the community to seek employment elsewhere,” Champagne said. “Without adequate health care, Kaplan will not be able to recruit new businesses to the area, and would be detrimental to our community in every way.
“We must help AKMH maintain a qualified workforce. Doctors, nurses and a supporting medical staff depends on us to help them. The payroll for this medical facility contributes to our local economy.”
This renewal would continue producing over $1,000,000 per year for Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital.
Also on the November ballot will be the US. Senate race, the Lieutenant Governor’s race, and 10 constitutional amendments.
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