Hshs Health Care Plan Trust Fund

“The trust does not have compensated employees; therefore, lines 15a and 15b have been answered "no" in accordance with the form 990 instructions”

“Provisions within the corporate compliance program and conflict of interest policy provide protections for whistleblower type activities.”

“See the narrative response for Form 990, Part VI, Line 7a”

“The senior governing body of hshs health care plan trust fund (the "trust") is hospital sisters health system ("hshs"), an illinois not for profit corporation exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code. The trust does not have a board of directors.”

“Member reserved powers responsibility for the policy and operations of hshs health care plan trust fund (the "trust") is vested in hospital sisters health system ("hshs"), an illinois not for profit corporation exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code. The trust operates in accordance with the hospital sisters health system health care trust agreement, dated december 8, 2008 ("agreement"). Pursuant to the agreement, hospital sisters health system, an illinois not for profit corporation exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code ("hshs") appoints the trustee, a bank which holds, invests, and disburses funds from the trust fund; and the plan adminsistrator, who is a fiduciary who controls and manages the operation and administration of the health care plan, and appoints the investment advisor, who directs the investment of the trust fund. Hshs and the trustee, plan administrator, and investment advisor are obligated to perform in accordance with the agreement.”

“The senior governing body of hshs health care plan trust fund (the "trust") is hospital sisters health system ("hshs"), an illinois not for profit corporation exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code. The trust does not have a board of directors, or committee thereof, by which meetings are held.”

“Please see narrative for form 990, part vi, section b, line 8a.”

“Responsibility for the policy and operations of hshs health care plan trust fund (the "trust") is vested in hospital sisters health system ("hshs"), an illinois not for profit corporation exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code. Hshs employs crowe horwath to assist in the overall preparation, review and electronic submission of the form 990. Crowe horwath provides guidance in identifying critical errors in the return submission, and feedback on quantitative and qualitative responses. Additionally, hshs' cfo performs a thorough review of the return, and reviews it with the ceo, and/or senior leaders, before presenting it in its entirety to hshs' board for questioning and review prior to the return's signing and submission to the irs.”

“Board-approved financial statements are made available to the public upon request. The trust follows the documents and policies of hospital sisters health system ("hshs"), an illinois not for profit corporation exempt from federal taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code. These policies and the trust's governing plan documents are not made available to the general public at this time.”

“In accordance with the procedures outlined in Trust Agreement, effective June 30, 2016, the officers of Hospital Sisters Health System authorized the termination of Hospital Sisters Health Care Plan Trust.”

“Transfer of assets to hospital sisters services, inc. - -29302601;”

“HSHS HEALTH CARE PLAN TRUST FUND IS AN AFFILIATE OF HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM (HSHS), A HEALTH CARE MINISTRY THAT INCLUDES 15 HOSPITALS, NUMEROUS COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH CENTERS AND CLINICS, AND HUNDREDS OF PHYSICIAN PARTNERS ACROSS ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN. The mission of HSHS is "to reveal and embody Christ's healing love for all people through our high quality Franciscan health care ministry." We live our mission by providing holistic healing to all who seek our care, as well as through Community Benefit. In tandem with others in the communities we serve, our Community Benefit initiatives are strategically increasing access to care, improving the health status of residents, and increasing medical education and knowledge. In FY2016, our hospitals responded to the top needs identified in each of their most recent Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs). The information gathered from these assessments was used to develop or enhance Community Benefit programs and services to best address community health needs. Among the priority needs identified in the most recent CHNA process were access to care; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse; chronic disease prevention and management; nutrition/wellness; mental health; and oral health. HSHS hospitals are proactively addressing these and other needs through patient, provider and community education, preventative screenings, self-management classes, and new or enhanced clinical services. In FY2016, HSHS collectively provided $203.8 million in Community Benefit (10.0% of total hospital expenses). This amount included $28.1 million provided for Financial Assistance (i.e. Charity Care) and $134.3 million for unreimbursed care provided as part of the Medicaid program. In addition, HSHS hospitals committed significant resources to treat Medicare patients. The cost of providing services to primarily elderly beneficiaries of the Medicare program - in excess of governmental and managed care contract payments - was $221.3 million. HSHS hospitals also recorded $31.4 million in uncollectible accounts. While HSHS does not count the latter two amounts as Community Benefit, they nonetheless reflect our commitment to serving all persons in need of care. In addition to the dollars invested in our Community Benefit programs, HSHS continues to reinvest any surplus revenue from operations and investments into new medical technology, facility infrastructure and health care services in our communities. By doing so, we ensure our ability to meet the ongoing demand for high quality, efficient and easily accessible health care. Improve access to health services As a Franciscan health care ministry, HSHS is deeply committed to serving those who are most in need with a special focus on the poor and vulnerable. We not only provide care to every patient who walks through our doors, but also reach out beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics to care for those in our communities. Our efforts to ensure residents in the communities we serve receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right setting involve collaborating with others to achieve this goal. Across our two-state System, there are numerous examples of partnerships with departments of public health, other health care facilities and community and social service organizations to enhance access to care for those in need. In FY2016, HSHS and our 15 hospitals invested Community Benefit resources to educate the uninsured about new enrollment opportunities in affordable health care coverage and to facilitate the process. Studies have shown that people without insurance are more likely to postpone care and develop more severe and expensive conditions than their insured counterparts. It is for this reason that the Catholic Church, Catholic health care and HSHS have long promoted "coverage and access for all." HSHS and our 15 hospitals in partnership with local health departments, social service agencies and other health care providers played a vi”

“In southwest Illinois, HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland enhanced their offerings to their senior population based on their CHNA. "Senior Renewal" is an outpatient counseling program for senior adults who may be facing emotional and physical problems unique to the aging process such as feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety. Clients receive a comprehensive level of treatment without inpatient hospitalization through counseling strategies and education. In addition, St. Joseph's Hospital in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Insurance participates in the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), a free health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. In addition to programs designed to increase access to care, HSHS makes sure that those who need financial assistance receive it. HSHS's Financial Assistance (Charity Care) policy was modified effective January 1, 2014 to offer a 25 percent self-pay discount to all patients who register without insurance. HSHS Financial Assistance programs have a sliding scale, in some instances providing up to a 55 percent reduction off billed charges if an uninsured patient's family income level is determined to be above 500 percent but equal to our less than 600 percent of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. HSHS hospitals waive all charges for patients below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Levels. Counselors are available in our hospitals to explain our financial assistance policy to patients, provide them with assistance in filling out a simple application form, or help them enroll in publicly funded health care programs. Enhance community health As part of our mission to embody Christ's healing love for all people, we understand that we have a responsibility to improve the overall quality of life in our communities by supporting initiatives that promote health and wellness. We recognize we are most successful when we work together with a wide array of public and private organizations that share our commitment to improving lives. By doing so, we maximize our efforts and reduce the duplication of services. To ensure the health care needs of all are being met, HSHS hospitals also understand we need to listen closely to the residents of the communities we serve. In turn, 13 of our 15 hospitals completed Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) in FY2015. HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, who affiliated with HSHS in September 2015, and HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, Illinois, who affiliated with HSHS in May 2016, both completed their CHNAs in FY2014. HSHS hospitals are using the information gathered from their most recent CHNAs to develop new, and enhance existing, programs and services that best address the needs of the community. Several priority areas were identified in the FY2015 CHNAs including access to health care services; alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse; chronic disease prevention and management; nutrition/wellness; mental health; and oral health. HSHS hospitals are addressing these and other needs by proactively offering educational opportunities, preventative screenings, and new or enhanced clinical services. In many cases, the hospitals collaborate with other hospital facilities, local departments of public health and community organizations to address identified needs. In western Wisconsin, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls are taking the lead on programming to educate the public about mental health issues and treatment, the stigma associated with mental health, and the recognition of mental health issues. To combat the rising rate of suicides in the area, both hospitals under the umbrella of 3D Community Health are providing community education on QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer), an evidence-based suicide prevention program. In FY2016, 3D Community Health provided 37 adult QPR programs for 1,046 persons and 44 youth Q”

“Mission-driven and strategically implemented Community Benefit is an integral part of Hospital Sisters Health System's Mission. Our commitment to Community Benefit arises from our Catholic identity, Mission and Core Values shared by 14,000 colleagues across Illinois and Wisconsin. Through our work to improve access to health care services, enhance community health, advance medical knowledge, and relieve or reduce the burden of government, we believe we have made a positive difference in the quality of lives of tens of thousands of people in Illinois and Wisconsin in FY2016. As a Catholic health care ministry, HSHS is concerned with the dignity of all persons, the common good, and the stewardship of resources. We advocate for health care for all and work to improve social conditions that lead to improved health and well-being. We engage partners in our communities to improve health and quality of life and to reduce duplication. Working side by side with many faith communities, HSHS remains dedicated to our common purpose of compassionate care for all people.”