University Hospital is staring down two very different futures next year: one with a massive loss if COVID-19 resurges or one with a small surplus if it doesn't. The health system's merger with Piedmont Healthcare is also headed to a December public hearing and potential approval early in 2022.

University's board met Thursday and considered two different budgets for 2022. The one that takes into consideration more expenses from a renewed pandemic, such as the resurgence this year, would result in an $18.6 million loss. University was projecting a more than $20 million loss for this year. The non-COVID budget would see the hospital come out $1.5 million ahead.

Read More at The Augusta Chronicle.