WASHINGTON — Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) said Wednesday she is asking for a delay in the termination of Medicare payments for Ozarks Community Hospital in Springfield.

The hospital announced earlier this week it intends to close its surgery and emergency departments at the end of July as a result of losing its status for Medicaid reimbursements.

200 employees will lose their jobs, the hospital said.  Still operating will be the hospital’s ancillary services to support the clinics that will be kept open.

CMS is terminating the agreement with the hospital because the hospital does not satisfy the federal definition of a hospital.

Hospital CEO Paul Taylor says the problem isn’t related to inpatient volume, but rather OCH decided to provide primary care for at risk patients.

McCaskill’s letter (read it here) asks that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services delay termination of reimbursements until a permanent solution with OCH can be reached.