Vaccination Rates Continues To Be A Major Concern for Cook County Health

Cook County Health Board Of Directors Meeting
December 9, 2022 

Cook County vaccination rates, particularly the 3rd booster is extremely low.  Board members stated that the system has an obligation to target communities most in need.  Dr. Hasbrouck, Public Health, said that he is building an outreach team to work with providers and to also go into homes.  He noted that people are “vaccine tired”.  Financial incentives and a mobile vaccine clinic have been initiated.  Directors noted that schools should also be targeted.  A $700,000 grant was received to raise the vaccination rates. 

Finance Committee [based on 9-30-22 reports].  CCH ended the 3rd quarter with a $15.8 M unfavorable balance to budget.  On a cash basis, the variance was favorable by $201,000 due to timing of reimbursement rates. Managed Care expenses are higher than budget due to higher membership rates.
During procurement coverage, board members were concerned that the System is paying premium dollars to outside agencies to fill such jobs as janitors from the same local market as CCH is recruiting.
Also under procurement was a new contract for a new service to provide medically tailored meals to patients outside of the hospitals.  The Greater Chicago Food Depository and local minority vendors will be used.  Director Story asked for an evaluation tool by 2023.

Charity Care reporting now expanded 
                                                                      2021 Actual        2022 Budget         2022 Actual/Projected
Traditional Charity Care                                $162,626           $152,827                       $134,772
Other Uncompensated Care                        100,894             109,162                          164,595
Cermak & JTDC Health Services                  104,465             106,405                         106,405
Public Health                                                       16,908               17,763                              17,763
Other Public Programs and Services           68,750              66,321                              66,321 
         TOTALS                                     $453,643      $452,478                 $489,856
        % of Costs                                    27.9%              36.3%                      34.5%
        % of Revenues                             38.6%             36.3%                       41.1%

Managed Care:   Membership is at 443,470 which is 32.5% of the total management care population in Cook County.  40,940 or 9.2% use CCH services at Stroger, Provident, or ambulatory clinics.  Vaccination rates among managed care members is in line with overall county rates.  Seniors lead the numbers at 52%; Adults 26-65 at 26%; Adults 19-25 at 17%; Adolescents 12-18 at 16%, Children 1-11 at 4% [23% for 2nd dose].  

Human Resources:  Filling nursing positions continues to be a huge challenge.  The use of temporary hires was discussed, and Director Koetting noted that over 20% of total employees are out on FMLA at any one time.

Observer:  Diane Edmundson                                             Absent Board Members:  Deer, Kim, Reiter