Good Samaritan Board Approves 2025 Budget: Prioritizing Caregivers with 4% Wage Increase and No Rate Increase for Patients

The Good Samaritan Board of Governors has approved the hospital’s 2025 budget, underscoring its commitment to supporting employees and ensuring accessible and affordable health care for the community. The budget includes a 4% wage increase for caregivers and no rate increase for patients, reflecting the hospital’s dedication to its workforce and the affordability of care.

Good Samaritan President and CEO, Rob McLin, highlighted the hospital’s focus on employee well-being, announcing a $3.9 million allocation for merit-based wage increases. “Our talented caregivers are the backbone of our organization, and this investment recognizes their hard work and dedication to delivering exceptional care,” said McLin.

Tara Ellermann, Chief Talent Officer, explained that the 4% wage increase will align with performance evaluations and take effect in April 2025. “We strive to remain competitive in the job market by benchmarking our compensation against Indiana Hospital Association data to ensure alignment with similar hospitals,” she added.

In addition to supporting its employees, Good Samaritan will not raise patient rates in 2025. “We are committed to keeping health care costs manageable for our community,” stated Matt Schuckman, Chief Financial Officer. “By controlling costs and focusing on operational efficiency, we can provide high-quality, affordable care.”

The 2025 budget also reflects a focus on increasing revenue through projected outpatient volume growth and cost management strategies with a 1% net margin. Part of this growth will come from the addition of orthopedic spine and neurology services that were added in late 2024. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Good Samaritan is preparing to invest in a geriatric psychiatry unit and add bariatric surgery to its list of services.

One of Good Samaritan’s significant achievements in 2024 was the continued success of its Good Samaritan Direct Health insurance product. Developed in partnership with SIHO Insurance Services, this innovative plan now serves more than 2,500 members, with employees from eight local organizations including Good Samaritan.

Good Samaritan Direct Health provides local employers with affordable health insurance options, enhanced access to care, and wellness-focused benefits through the hospital’s Wellness Matters program. By prioritizing customer service and employee well-being, this initiative ensures affordable, high-quality health care for the community.

Good Samaritan concluded 2024 with several other milestones and advancements:

• Innovative Services and Technology: Renovated surgical suites now feature upgraded HVAC systems and modern aesthetics, alongside the addition of da Vinci robotic surgery for general, gynecological, and urological procedures.
• Expanded Education and Training: The Collaborative Interprofessional Education Department, enhanced through READI and ARPA grant funding, now includes advanced simulation labs and an immersion room for comprehensive staff training.
• New Specialty Pharmacy: The newly opened pharmacy at 305 S. 5th Street ensures local access to specialty medications, reducing delays and improving patient convenience.
• Enhanced Emergency Services: A new three-bay ambulance garage supports improved response times and efficiency for Knox County.

Good Samaritan earned numerous distinctions in 2024, including:

• Inspire Hospital of Distinction
• Multiple Get With The Guidelines® awards for stroke and coronary artery care

2024 also saw key leadership appointments, including Brenda Winkler as Chief Nursing Officer and Tara Ellermann as Chief Talent Officer. Additionally, Good Samaritan welcomed 18 new physicians and 7 advanced practice providers to its staff, bolstering its clinical expertise.

• Andrews Adjapong, MD – Anesthesiology
• Karim Anwar, MD – Hematology / Oncology
• Spencer Bonnerup, MD – Internal Medicine
• Aimee Borazanci, MD – Neurology
• Michael Carson, MD – Hospitalist
• William Collyer, MD, FACS – Urology
• Everett Cooper, MD – Hospitalist
• Dustin Craney, DO – Psychiatry
• Shawn Curry, MD – Internal Medicine
• Mikiel Ewida, CAA – Anesthesiology
• Benjamin Flaningam, PA – Emergency Medicine
• Maria Herron, MD – Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Mohammed Ismael, DO, MD – General Surgery
• Jasan Jawanda, MD – Infectious Disease
• Blaine T. Manning, MD – Spine Surgery
• Audra McQuade, AGACNP – Neurology
• Sarah Morrison, FNP-C – Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Billy Powell, Jr., MD – Hospitalist
• Laura Reedy, CCA – Anesthesiology
• Daniel Spearman, MD – Emergency Medicine
• Andrew Tharp, MD – Pathology
• Josh Vollmer, MD – Anesthesiology
• Anna Wanahita, MD – Neuroradiology
• Martin Winkler, PA – Hospitalist
• Elizabeth “Betsy” Wise, APRN - Neurovascular