Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at| Return Reference | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 15 PROCESS USED TO ESTABLISH COMPENSATION | THE TRUST DOES NOT HAVE COMPENSATED EMPLOYEES; THEREFORE, LINES 15A AND 15B HAVE BEEN ANSWERED "NO" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FORM 990 INSTRUCTIONS |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 13 WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY | PROVISIONS WITHIN THE CORPORATE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY PROVIDE PROTECTIONS FOR WHISTLEBLOWER TYPE ACTIVITIES. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 7a Members or stockholders electing members of governing body | THE SENIOR GOVERNING BODY OF HSHS HEALTH CARE PLAN TRUST FUND (THE "TRUST") IS HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM ("HSHS"), AN ILLINOIS NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL TAXATION UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THE TRUST DOES NOT HAVE A BOARD OF DIRECTORS. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 7b Decisions requiring approval by members or stockholders | MEMBER RESERVED POWERS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POLICY AND OPERATIONS OF HSHS HEALTH CARE PLAN TRUST FUND (THE "TRUST") IS VESTED IN HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM ("HSHS"), AN ILLINOIS NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL TAXATION UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THE TRUST OPERATES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM HEALTH CARE TRUST AGREEMENT, DATED DECEMBER 8, 2008 ("AGREEMENT"). PURSUANT TO THE AGREEMENT, HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM, AN ILLINOIS NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL TAXATION UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE ("HSHS") APPOINTS THE TRUSTEE, A BANK WHICH HOLDS, INVESTS, AND DISBURSES FUNDS FROM THE TRUST FUND; AND THE PLAN ADMINSISTRATOR, WHO IS A FIDUCIARY WHO CONTROLS AND MANAGES THE OPERATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE HEALTH CARE PLAN, AND APPOINTS THE INVESTMENT ADVISOR, WHO DIRECTS THE INVESTMENT OF THE TRUST FUND. HSHS AND THE TRUSTEE, PLAN ADMINISTRATOR, AND INVESTMENT ADVISOR ARE OBLIGATED TO PERFORM IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 8a Documentation of meetings held by governing body | THE SENIOR GOVERNING BODY OF HSHS HEALTH CARE PLAN TRUST FUND (THE "TRUST") IS HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM ("HSHS"), AN ILLINOIS NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL TAXATION UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THE TRUST DOES NOT HAVE A BOARD OF DIRECTORS, OR COMMITTEE THEREOF, BY WHICH MEETINGS ARE HELD. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 8b Documentation of meetings held by committees of governing body | PLEASE SEE NARRATIVE FOR FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 8A. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 11b Review of form 990 by governing body | RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE POLICY AND OPERATIONS OF HSHS HEALTH CARE PLAN TRUST FUND (THE "TRUST") IS VESTED IN HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM ("HSHS"), AN ILLINOIS NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL TAXATION UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. HSHS EMPLOYS CROWE HORWATH TO ASSIST IN THE OVERALL PREPARATION, REVIEW AND ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF THE FORM 990. CROWE HORWATH PROVIDES GUIDANCE IN IDENTIFYING CRITICAL ERRORS IN THE RETURN SUBMISSION, AND FEEDBACK ON QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESPONSES. ADDITIONALLY, HSHS' CFO PERFORMS A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE RETURN, AND REVIEWS IT WITH THE CEO, AND/OR SENIOR LEADERS, BEFORE PRESENTING IT IN ITS ENTIRETY TO HSHS' BOARD FOR QUESTIONING AND REVIEW PRIOR TO THE RETURN'S SIGNING AND SUBMISSION TO THE IRS. |
| Form 990, Part VI, Line 19 Required documents available to the public | BOARD-APPROVED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. THE TRUST FOLLOWS THE DOCUMENTS AND POLICIES OF HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM ("HSHS"), AN ILLINOIS NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION EXEMPT FROM FEDERAL TAXATION UNDER SECTION 501(C)(3) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THESE POLICIES AND THE TRUST'S GOVERNING PLAN DOCUMENTS ARE NOT MADE AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AT THIS TIME. |
| Form 990, Part X, Line 11 Pooled Investment Account | THE ORGANIZATION'S CASH RESERVES ARE INVESTED IN A POOLED INVESTMENT ACCOUNT. PARTICIPATION IN THE POOLED FUND IS LIMITED TO THE 501(C)(3) HOSPITALS AND RELATED HEALTH SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS SPONSORSED BY HSHS. THE POOLED ACCOUNT CONSISTS OF CASH, EQUITY AND DEBT SECURITIES THAT ARE PUBLICLY TRADED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF SFAS NO. 124 "ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN INVESTMENTS HELD BY NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS," INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY SECURITIES WITH READILY DETERMINABLE VALUES, AND ALL INVESTMENTS IN DEBT SECURITIES ARE REPORTED AT FAIR VALUE ON THE BALANCE SHEET. INCOME, REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES ARE NOT IDENTIFIED TO THE PARTICIPANTS. |
| Schedule O AFFILIATED HEALTH SYSTEM DISCLOSURE | HSHS HEALTH CARE PLAN TRUST FUND IS AN AFFILIATE OF HOSPITAL SISTERS HEALTH SYSTEM (HSHS), A HEALTH CARE MINISTRY THAT INCLUDES 14 HOSPITALS, NUMEROUS COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH CENTERS AND CLINICS, AND HUNDREDS OF PHYSICIAN PARTNERS ACROSS ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN. The mission of HSHS is "to reveal and embody Christ's healing love for all people through our high quality Franciscan health care ministry." We live our mission by providing holistic healing to all who seek our care, as well as through Community Benefit. Working collaboratively with others in the communities we serve, our Community Benefit initiatives are strategically and successfully expanding access to care, improving the health status of residents, and increasing medical education and knowledge. In FY2015, our hospitals responded to needs identified in each of their most recent Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) completed in FY2012. The information gathered from these assessments was used to develop or enhance Community Benefit programs and services to best address community health needs. Among the many priority needs identified in our CHNAs were chronic disease prevention and management, obesity, adequate food and nutrition, mental health, and access to health care services. HSHS hospitals are proactively addressing these and other needs through patient, provider and community education, preventative screenings, self-management classes, and new or enhanced clinical services. System-wide, HSHS collectively provided $195.3 million in Community Benefit (9.9% of total hospital expenses) in FY2015. This amount included $25.2 million provided for Financial Assistance (i.e. Charity Care) and $132.3 million for unreimbursed care provided as part of the Medicaid program. In addition, HSHS hospitals committed significant resources to care for Medicare patients. The cost of providing services to primarily elderly beneficiaries of the Medicare program - in excess of governmental and managed care contract payments - was $183.7 million. HSHS hospitals also recorded $61.5 million in uncollectible accounts. While HSHS does not count the latter two amounts as Community Benefit, they nonetheless reflect our commitment to all persons in need of care. In addition to the dollars invested in our Community Benefit programs, HSHS continues to reinvest any surplus revenue from operations and investments into new medical technology, facility infrastructure and health care services in our communities. By doing so, we ensure our ability to meet the ongoing demand for high quality, efficient and easily accessible health care. As the U.S. health care delivery model continues to evolve, HSHS remains focused on implementing our Care Integration strategy. Care Integration coordinates the delivery of care across the continuum to meet the needs of each patient. During FY2015, HSHS made significant progress with this strategy as we implemented additional interoperable health information technologies and strengthened our alignment with physicians. Improve access to health services As a Franciscan health care ministry, HSHS is deeply committed to serving those who are most in need with a special focus on the poor and vulnerable. We not only provide care to every patient who walks through our doors, but also reach out beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics to care for those in our communities. Our efforts to ensure residents in the communities we serve receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right setting often involve partnering with others to achieve this goal. Across our two-state System, there are numerous examples of HSHS collaborating with other organizations to enhance access to care for those in need. In FY2015, HSHS and our 14 hospitals invested Community Benefit resources to educate the uninsured about new enrollment opportunities in affordable health care coverage and to facilitate the process. Studies have shown that people without insurance coverage are more likely than their insured counterparts to postpone care and to develop more severe and expensive conditions. It is for this reason that the Catholic Church, Catholic health care and HSHS have long promoted "coverage and access for all." HSHS and our 14 hospitals in partnership with local health departments, social service agencies and other health care providers played a vital role in educating eligible people in their local communities, by referring people to Certified Application Counselors and/or in enrolling them in the health insurance exchanges, or in securing coverage through Medicaid expansion. Of the eight states with the highest concentration of uninsured, Illinois was among 25 states that adopted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay supports the NEW Community Clinic, a 38-year-old free health center for the uninsured and underinsured, and also provides free and discounted laboratory and radiology services to the clinic. More than 70 percent of patients indicate the care they received at the clinic prevented a trip to the emergency department. This year St. Mary's Hospital, along with sister hospital HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay, provided more than $100,000 to support acute care clinic operations at their Northeast Wisconsin Technical College location, as well as funds to support operating costs associated with the oral surgeon's services at the dental clinic. HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, Illinois partnered with Lewis & Clark Community College and local dental providers to bring the College's mobile dental health unit to the Litchfield area; the unit provides free or low cost dental exams and screenings, x-rays and hygiene services. The percentage of total emergency department visits related to dental issues has decreased from 2.2 percent in 2011 to 1.27 percent in 2014 as a result of these collaborative efforts to provide the right care in the right setting. In southeast Illinois, area residents can get help filling a prescription through the long-term collaboration between HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham and Catholic Charities. In FY2015, St. Anthony's helped underwrite the cost of prescription medications for 312 residents. St. Anthony's and Catholic Charities believe that no one should be without prescription medications because of the inability to pay. In southwest Illinois, HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland enhanced their offerings to their senior population based on their CHNA. "Senior Renewal" is an outpatient counseling program for senior adults who may be facing emotional and physical problems unique to the aging process such as feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiety. Clients receive a comprehensive level of treatment without inpatient hospitalization through counseling strategies and education. In addition, St. Joseph's Hospital in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Insurance participates in the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), a free health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. In addition to programs designed to increase access to care, HSHS makes sure that those who need financial assistance receive it. HSHS's Financial Assistance (Charity Care) policy was modified effective January 1, 2014 to offer a 25 percent self-pay discount to all patients who register without insurance. HSHS Financial Assistance programs have a sliding scale, in some instances providing up to a 55 percent reduction off billed charges if an uninsured patient's family income level is determined to be above 500 percent but equal to our less than 600 percent of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines. All charges are waived for patients below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Levels. Counselors are available in our hospitals to explain our financial assistance policy to patients, provide them with assistance in filling out a simple application form, or help them enroll in publicly funded health care programs. |
| Schedule O AFFILIATED HEALTH SYSTEM DISCLOSURE (CONTINUED A) | Enhance community health As part of our mission to embody Christ's healing love, we understand that we have a responsibility to improve the overall quality of life in our communities by supporting initiatives that promote health and wellness. We recognize we are most successful when we work together with a wide array of public and private organizations that share our commitment to improving lives. By doing so, we maximize our efforts and reduce the duplication of services. HSHS hospitals also understand we need to listen closely to the residents of the communities we serve to ensure the health care needs of all are being met. To that end, 13 of our hospitals completed Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) in FY2015 and in FY2012. HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, who affiliated with HSHS in September 2015, completed their CHNA in FY2014. The information gathered from these assessments is being used to develop new, and enhance existing, programs and services that best address the needs of the community. Several priority needs were identified in the FY2015 CHNAs including mental health; chronic disease prevention and management; alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse; nutrition/wellness; access to care; oral health; and domestic abuse. HSHS hospitals are addressing these and other needs by proactively offering educational opportunities, preventative screenings, and new or enhanced clinical services. In many cases, the hospitals collaborate with other hospital facilities, local departments of public health and community organizations to address identified needs. In western Wisconsin, HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire and HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls are taking the lead on programming to educate the public about mental health issues and treatment, the stigma associated with mental health, and the recognition of mental health issues. To combat the rising rate of suicides in the area, both hospitals are providing community education sessions on QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer), an evidence-based suicide prevention program. In addition, the hospitals hosted sessions to train community members to become Certified QPR Trainers. In southern Illinois, HSHS St Elizabeth's Hospital in Belleville also identified suicide as a priority community health need. In response, the hospital in cooperation with the local county mental board offered QPR to educate the community about how to identify and talk to someone who may be considering suicide. In addition, St Elizabeth's mental health counselors provided free evaluations to assess for services or referred individuals to other local agencies for assistance. They also provided telephone assistance to individuals with mental health questions. In FY2015, the counselors screened more than 300 clients and fielded more than 1,000 calls. HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay developed the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program comprised of 11 nurses and a medical director to provide care for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. Begun in 1992, St. Vincent's SANE program is the regional site for such care, one where all the hospitals in Green Bay and the surrounding communities send sexual assault victims. St. Vincent's SANE nurses have been properly trained to conduct the medical examination, collect evidence, treat injury and provide courtroom testimony. In FY2015, SANE served more than 185 individuals at a vulnerable and devastating time of their lives. HSHS St. Mary's Hospital in Streator, Illinois teamed up with the Streator YMCA to offer a 12-week weight loss program - Healthy You - to motivate more than 284 participants. The program included aerobics classes, cooking classes, and a maintenance program to encourage participants to weigh in monthly. Surveys were collected at registration to quantify progress for repeat participants - 14 percent returned with a further weight loss and 9 percent within 5 pounds of their 2014 weight. In FY2015, Healthy You participants collectively lost 2,982 pounds. In FY2015, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, Illinois partnered with Macon County Care Coordination (MCCC) comprised of the Macon County Health Board, Community Health Improvement Center, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Heritage Behavioral Health Center, and Macon County Health Department to provide a team approach to health care and behavioral health services for Medicaid recipients with chronic health conditions. In FY2015, a nurse practitioner was hired to lead the program and recruit physicians. Three teams consisting of a Registered Nurse, Care Navigator and Care Coordinator were hired to provide services. St. Mary's is in the final stages of the development of an interface with the Electronic Medical Record, and is working on fully integrating MCCC services into their Emergency Department and exploring possibilities of integrating MCCC within the HSHS Medical Group to provide care coordination for Medicaid recipients with chronic health conditions. According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, only 12 percent of adults have "proficient" health literacy, i.e. nine out of 10 adults lack the skills needed to manage their health. Health literacy was identified in the CHNA completed by HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan and the Department of Public Health in FY2012. In FY2014, the Healthy Sheboygan County 2020 Health Literacy Committee hosted five focus groups (Hispanic, Hmong, low-income, senior citizens and young adults) and an Executive Briefing for health care leaders to share the results of the community survey and focus groups. In FY2015, with the support of St. Nicholas Hospital, a health literacy community awareness campaign was launched - Okay2Ask - to encourage people to build strong relationships with their health care providers and pharmacists. |
| Schedule O Affiliated Health System (Continued B) | Advance medical knowledge HSHS works to advance medical knowledge by supporting research initiatives and educational opportunities. In FY2015, HSHS hospitals and affiliated physician groups contributed more than $19 million toward research and education. Highlights of this commitment include subsidizing medical school residency programs, offering ongoing medical education to physicians and clinicians, and providing job shadowing programs for high school students. In southern Illinois, HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese, hosted members of the Health Occupations Students of America onsite to learn about job opportunities in health care from health care professionals. St. Joseph's also provided clinical experience for Kaskaskia College students enrolled in nursing, physical therapy and radiology programs. Pharmacy students have also completed their clinical training at St. Joseph's Hospital. In FY2015, 73 students were served by the program. In FY2015, HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay invested more than $450,000 to provide onsite training and education of nurses and allied health professionals. In addition, the hospitals have been collaborating with the Medical College of Wisconsin to establish a community medical education program in Green Bay and to provide financial support to offset operating costs in FY2015. Also in eastern Wisconsin, HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls provided training for local paramedics and emergency response personnel through the hospital's EMS liaison program. In response to its FY2012 CHNA, HSHS St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois convened a team of health care providers in FY2015 to identify the practice gaps around metabolic syndrome in children and adults and to research best practices and evidence-based protocols to reduce the progression of metabolic syndrome. The team developed and implemented a three-part multidisciplinary discussion on preventing childhood obesity entitled "Childhood Obesity in Central Illinois: Weighing in on the Problem," which was offered during grand rounds. In addition, the team hosted a Continuing Medical Education program for the community entitled "Restoring Healthy Families and Communities in an Obesongenic Environment: A Tool Kit for Health Care Professionals." Mission-driven and strategically implemented Community Benefit is an integral part of Hospital Sisters Health System's Mission. Our commitment to Community Benefit arises from our Catholic identity, Mission and Core Values shared by 14,000 colleagues across Illinois and Wisconsin. Through our work to improve access to health care services, enhance community health, advance medical knowledge, and relieve or reduce the burden of government, we believe we have made a positive difference in the quality of lives of tens of thousands of people in Illinois and Wisconsin in FY2015. As a Catholic health care ministry, HSHS is concerned with the dignity of all persons, the common good, and the stewardship of resources. We advocate for health care for all and work to improve social conditions that lead to improved health and well-being. We engage partners in our communities to improve health and quality of life and to reduce duplication. Working side by side with many faith communities, HSHS remains dedicated to our common purpose of compassionate care for all people. |
| Software ID: | 14000329 |
| Software Version: | 2014v1.0 |