ARH files suit against Pike County, KY, over alleged failure to pay for inmate services
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare has filed a lawsuit against Pike County, Kentucky seeking more than three million dollars for psychiatric medical services provided to jail inmates.
Robert Fields | WVOW News
HAZARD The healthcare system, headquartered in Hazard, Kentucky, says the county and the Pike County Detention Center failed to pay 93 inpatient psychiatric medical bills for inmates treated between March 2021 and September 2025.
According to the lawsuit, the health system claims the county previously paid similar invoices, which established an agreement through prior dealings. The complaint argues the county breached that agreement by refusing to pay the remaining balances despite repeated requests.
Pike County Jailer Brian Morris says he has not yet had the opportunity to fully review the claims. He says his understanding is that the individuals treated may not have been in custody at the time they received medical care, and that the jail has not received proof that the charges are owed.
The lawsuit remains pending.
Kentucky law requires counties to pay for necessary medical care for inmates held in local jails who are deemed indigent, which means they're not covered by insurance and cannot afford treatment or coverage. Inmates with active health insurance are not considered medically indigent.
PHOTO | WIX