Ely hospital’s federal status reinstated

Update as of January 14: Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital announced Tuesday, January 14, that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has reinstated their status as a Critical Access Hospital.

“This designation is critical to our hospital’s ability to maintain financial stability and deliver the high-quality care our rural community needs,” explained Marketing & Communications Team Leader Jodi Martin. “The reinstatement of the CAH designation ensures that EBCH will continue to receive reimbursement rates that reflect the unique challenges of operating a hospital in a rural area. With this status, we can maintain vital healthcare services and remain a key provider for patients who rely on us for emergency care, surgeries, wellness programs, community collaboration, and much more.”

“We are grateful for the support of our staff, patients, local, State and Federal lawmakers, and the local community throughout this process,” said Patti Banks, EBCH CEO. “The reinstatement of our CAH status is a testament to the strength of our communities and our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need. We will continue to work diligently to provide the highest quality care and remain a pillar of health and wellness in our region.”

“Every Minnesotan, no matter their zip code, deserves to have access to the health care they need. Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital is a critical provider of 24-hour emergency and outpatient care, and I know any cuts would be incredibly difficult,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar in a statement released Tuesday evening.

Original Story: Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital (EBCH) received a letter on December 11, 2024 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stating they would need to reapply for their status as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH). Their status came into question because the hospital is no longer located in a “rural” area due to a population increase in Duluth making St. Louis County an “urban” county. The “urban” status would make it so EBCH no longer qualifies for CAH status.

“EBCH was given 60 days to reapply for our Critical Access Hospital status, which we completed immediately,” explained Marketing & Communications Team Leader Jodi Martin. “We have received confirmation from CMS that they received our submission and are reviewing it. They have up to 60 days from receiving our application to make a decision.”

Martin went on to explain the impacts if CMS denied their reapplication.

“Losing our Critical Access Hospital designation would considerably impact our finances,” continued Martin. “However, there would be a greater impact on Ely and the communities we serve. If EBCH were forced to make the difficult decision to cut services, people in our communities could be forced to travel over 50 miles for care. Additionally, EBCH is a leader in the community. We are one of the largest employers in the area; we provide care to the community through vaccinations, education, and collaboration.”

Representative Pete Stauber, who represents Minnesota District 8, has also sent a letter to the CMS urging the agency to not change the hospital’s status.

“Not only is the decision to take away the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital’s Critical Access Hospital designation based on a technicality that is not accurate, but it would do significant harm to the Ely community,” stated Stauber. “Without this designation, hospital operations will be impacted, and many residents of this community will be forced to travel long distances to receive care. Our rural communities deserve better, so I will continue to apply pressure on CMS to ensure this decision is reversed.”

Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital is located at 328 W Conan St, Ely, MN 55731.