• Hospital releases statements on changes, following funding shortfall in 2025

With changing factors in health care costs resulting in funding shortages at the beginning of 2025, Star Valley Health has acknowledged the need to make changes in the hospital’s procedures.

The report on shortages came in North Lincoln Hospital District Board meetings.

The changes, addressed through a series of statements released by the hospital this week, call for plans to continue growing services, addressing changes with insurance coverage and billing procedures, and a call for pre-payments for uninsured services or those not covered by insurance. In addition, Star Valley Health will be maintaining regular leadership planning sessions.

SVI Media requested the statements following the North Lincoln Hospital District Board meeting that noted the funding shortfall in early 2025. The Star Valley Health summary statements are as follow:

Our Growth Strategy Is Working:

Star Valley Health’s plan to expand access across western Wyoming is succeeding.

By recruiting more providers and opening new care points, we’ve increased our revenue from $55 million in 2021 to $110 million last year.

More significantly, 30% of our patients now come from outside Star Valley, compared to just 20% previously.

We’re reaching more people and making a broader impact.

Rising Healthcare Costs Are Affecting Everyone

Over the past two decades, healthcare costs have skyrocketed.

Insurance companies have shifted much of the financial burden to employers—who have passed it on to employees.

High-deductible health plans mean patients now face significant out-of-pocket costs, often totaling thousands of dollars.

We recognize how difficult this can be.

With patients carrying more and more of the financial responsibility, Star Valley Health has seen private pay accounts and the amount of unpaid bills rise dramatically over the last few years. This has become a burden on the Star Valley Health care system.

We Haven’t Always Made Paying Bills Easy

We acknowledge that we haven’t always communicated clearly about how much our patients owe or when those payments are due.

Bills have sometimes been confusing, and getting answers hasn’t always been easy.

We take responsibility for the frustration this has caused and are committed to improving.

We are taking steps to make sure patients are aware of their financial responsibility when services are rendered.

Strengthening Our Processes and Patient Support

We’re actively correcting our accounting practices and tightening internal controls to prevent future issues.

As part of this effort, we have begun collecting patient payments up front for amounts not covered by insurance.

At the same time, we’ll continue offering interest-free payment plans to ease the financial burden.

Patients who would like help understanding their bills or making arrangements for payment can call 866-641-1039.

Leadership Alignment and Accountability

Our leadership team is meeting weekly for strategy and training sessions to ensure clear communication and a unified, proactive response. We’re focused, aligned, and moving forward together.

Transparency and a Strong Future

We deeply appreciate the trust and support of our community.

This situation is a challenge—but not a crisis. Star Valley Health remains strong and stable.

We’re growing, adapting, and more committed than ever to independently provide high-quality care to our region.

The future is bright—and we’ll build it together.