Tester vows to help CARD find money

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease is “seriously in the red” and U.S. Sen. Jon Tester vowed Friday to help the Libby clinic find money so it doesn’t go under.

“We’re going to get in contact with the people who are the decision-makers in the EPA and try to apply pressure from my position to get them to break loose with some money for the work that these guys are doing,” Tester said. “It’s valuable work. I think it’s critically important to the community and the cleanup and health of the citizenry so I just need to push them and plead the case and hopefully, they’ll do the right thing in the end.”

The clinic’s financial stability seems to be in question. During a meeting with CARD staff, Tester was told that cash flow issues have forced several changes, including a possible loan just to cover the clinic’s next payroll.

Dr. Brad Black, CARD director, said he wouldn’t go so far as to say the clinic is in danger of closing.

“I wouldn’t put it that way. I think there are monies that flow that are coming to CARD in the bureaucratic process and it takes time to get through,” Black said.

Tester, however, said the cash flow problems must be fixed or closure could be the result.

“I absolutely think so,” Tester said when asked if he thinks the clinic could close. “I was here a year ago or so and it’s definitely gotten worse since then. I think that’s absolutely a reality and hopefully it’s a reality that won’t come to fruition.”

Several factors play into the clinic’s financial problems, such as a $248,000 appropriation that has not yet been received.

“In simple terms, we have money for health care that comes and that’s how we survived for eight years is off fee for service,” Black said. “Occasionally, we had a small appropriation here or there and we do have an appropriation that we’re waiting to get. But our health care fee for service has dropped off.”

The $248,000 appropriation is currently stuck in the processing phase, Black said.

“That money is delayed and as a consequence as we get diminishing returns that are providing the insurance, we have a gap that puts us in a very strained position,” Black said.

Another factor is a requirement that CARD must provide much more detailed patient information that goes into a research database created by the Environmental Protection Agency for epidemiologic studies.

“Our folks have been trained on how to capture the data and enter the data but the problem is we’re trying to take care of people Š that’s our first priority,” Black said. “We have the burden of trying to collect this data, which is very labor intensive, and it just puts a strain on the clinic that is already struggling just to maintain the health-care portion because of diminishing third-party reimbursements.”

According to information submitted to Tester, there are indications that an agreement will provide some funding – $200,000 to $225,000 – to CARD for data collection and sharing of that information with the EPA.

During the meeting, there was also talk about the $250 million from the W.R. Grace settlement sitting in a fund at EPA headquarters.

“It’s frustrating. You’d think it’s a no-brainer. This has been straightforward. People get heavily exposed and there are going to be a certain percent that get very ill and there’s a number that won’t,” Black said. “We know that; that’s the way those things work in exposures. Certain people are much more vulnerable than others. Then there’s all this money. Isn’t that incredible?”

Several other factors also play into the overall picture that paints CARD’s financial state. Tester indicated his willingness to get the situation fixed.

“Finances are always a part of it and making sure funds are distributed equably is always an issue,” Tester said. “It’s an issue here and we just need to make sure they get compensated for the work they’re doing in an adequate manner.”

Black certainly would like to see a solution to get the clinic through a tough time.

“We’re hopeful that the senator is able to encourage folks to bring money forth in the EPA to really support the needed data collection that’s essential to epidemiologic studies, and that’s critical. That’s very justifiable money to get the job done. We’re hopeful that he can help out with that. I know he’ll do his best. He’s been behind us.”