University of Iowa hospital project to increase patient costs

A planned $700 million to $850 expansion at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics will result in an increase in patient costs, but officials said they don't yet know how much. The expansion will include a new children's care center and a critical care tower, and will ensure that most of the hospital's rooms are single-patient. In May, the Iowa state Board of Regents authorized the hospital to begin planning the expansion. At the meeting, a proposal to increase patient costs by 6% was approved to reflect increases in the cost of utilities, supplies and drugs.