AL SR107

A 1965 Alabama Legislature Act established a dedicated revenue stream for indigent health care in Jefferson County, generating approximately $45,000,000 annually.

Jefferson County has approximately 100,000 residents living in poverty with more than 30,000 eligible for coverage under the county's indigent health care fund.

The abrupt closure of Cooper Greene Mercy Hospital, which provided significant care to the county's indigent population, has caused hardship and shifted health care responsibility entirely to private physicians and hospitals providing uncompensated care.

The Senate urges the Jefferson County Commission to immediately contract with private physicians to establish an appropriate primary care network and create a reimbursement process for all physicians and hospitals providing indigent health care.

A copy of this resolution shall be provided to each member of the Jefferson County Commission.