Based on 2006 medical statistics from our medical care contractor and a one day snapshot of our inmate population, it was revealed that 61% of our inmates are considered indigent. Thus, 39% of the inmate population could pay the nominal charge of $3.00 for medical services. The maximum revenue that could be generated would be approximately $111,600.00 annually.
    
    The passage of this bill is important not only to place responsibility on the inmates for part of their medical care, but also to decrease the numerous visits for medical sick call and free up the limited amount of medical resources we have available to take care of those who have critical medical needs.
    
    During fiscal year 2006, the Regional Jail Authority incurred catastrophic medical expenditures in the amount of $1,153,000.00. If the Regional Jail Authority were granted the authority to reimburse outside providers of medical services at a rate consistent with Department of Health and Human Resources Medicaid Program, we would estimate a 20-30% reduction or an annual cost savings of $230,600.00 to $345,900.00, respectively.