LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – University Medical Center is asking Lubbock County commissioners to reevaluate how inmate health care is funded, as costs tied to the Lubbock County Detention Center continue to rise.
UMC CEO Mark Funderburk presented the hospital’s financial outlook to commissioners during their regular meeting on Monday, proposing the county adopt a no-new-revenue tax rate for the hospital district, while calling for a fresh look at how correctional health care costs are shared.
‘No margin, no mission’
Funderburk told commissioners the hospital’s operating margin is on track to reach zero this year.
“This is, honestly, the lowest margin we’ve had in the last two to three decades,” Funderburk said.
Funderburk says that excludes 2024, when the ransomware attack hit the hospital.
He said the financial strain comes as demand for care is also increasing, with both UMC hospitals seeing extended emergency room wait times. He says he hears comments like the following one often.
“I’ve been coming here for a long time; it’s never been like this. The staff are great, but 13-hour wait times are unacceptable. Or 15, or 18, or 20, or down to five, whatever the case is,” he said. “Both hospitals are very, very busy in their ERs. These are just frequent conversations that are happening. So, as Lubbock grows, we have to grow with it.”
Inmate care costs climb
Funderburk said indigent care costs UMC roughly $100 million per year, while the hospital’s tax base provides only about $36 million to cover it. Of that $36 million, 28 percent is currently going toward care for inmates at the Lubbock County Detention Center — nearly one-third of the hospital’s total unfunded burden.
“That’s health care that has to be delivered. Somebody has to do it. It’s our responsibility,” Funderburk said. “But now it’s almost one-third of the entire amount for our full unfunded burden.”
He said the inmate population is not only growing but aging and becoming sicker, resulting in longer hospital stays. The cost of inmate care was delegated to UMC through an interlocal agreement in 1998. At the time, Funderburk said, the cost was around $1 million per year. It has since risen to $11 million.
“We look forward to perhaps a new interlocal agreement or some agreement where we can work together in that regard,” Funderburk said.
Sheriff backs UMC’s position
Lubbock County Sheriff Kelly Rowe supported Funderburk’s presentation, telling commissioners that costs — both for care and for security on inmates at the hospital — are not going away.
“I stand with Mr. Funderburk and appreciate everything he’s doing,” Rowe said. “But I think it’s important for you all to understand that those costs are not going away and they’re only on the increase.”
Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposed tax rate and budget on Sept. 14.
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