HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) - Forrest County officials have reached a deal with administrators of the county-owned Forrest General Hospital to reduce the cost of medical treatment for county inmates.

The Hattiesburg American reports (http://hatne.ws/TN8qY7 ) that the Forrest County Board of Supervisors agreed with hospital officials last month to lower the county's share of inmate medical expenses from 50% to 35%.

Board of Supervisors President David Hogan said the new agreement will benefit the county by reducing medical costs. Also, the county will not have to employ medical personnel for its new jail.

Forrest General Hospital will have staff at the jail, which lowers the cost of care and provides more security.

Information from: The Hattiesburg American, http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com

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