Lawrence Co. inmate’s health bill: $99,000

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawrence County commissioners are scratching their heads over a nearly six-figure medical bill from the Lawrence County Jail.

Jail officials have asked for $99,000 from the county contingency fund to pay medical bills to UPMC Pittsburgh — the figure is a reduced rate of what was initially billed.

“It is frustrating,” Commissioner Dan Vogler said of the bill.

The bill mostly involves the care of one inmate who came down with a life-threatening bacterial infection while being transported to the jail by the county deputy sheriffs.

This medical bill comes on the heels of a hefty request from the sheriff’s office to cover overtime costs associated with guarding this inmate who spent three weeks in the Pittsburgh hospital.

Deputies had to stand guard 24 hours a day, commissioners said.

Jim Gagliano, county administrator, said the original bill from UPMC was closer to $160,000, but the county’s health-care provider was able to negotiate the amount to $99,000. Gagliano said UPMC agreed to take the lower amount if the bill was paid within a certain time. He did not say when the offer would expire.

Commissioners said they want more information about the matter before handing over the money. They have requested the jail warden and a Prime Care representative be present at Tuesday’s meeting to explain.