The Oct. 13 article “Belshan strives to be voice on board” also contained statements indicating support for use of technology and openness in government.

Freeborn County Human Services and Public Health worked on several multi-agency or multi-county programs to share resources achieving results that could not be attained individually. The most ambitious, complex venture was South Country Health Alliance established by nine counties.

It’s an HMO-type business to better coordinate acute and long-term health care with other services provided by county human service and public health agencies for medical assistance enrollees. It took nearly five years to complete research and analysis, develop the business plan and obtain approval from three state regulatory agencies. One county commissioner from each partner county serves on a joint powers board.

The year before it became operational, Commissioner Dan Belshan proposed that Freeborn County withdraw and rejoin at year’s end if indications continued to point to it being successful. Fortunately the other four commissioners concurred in remaining partners with the eight other counties so that Freeborn would be included in the final cost and capitation funding analysis.

Now, 10 years later, at a special county board meeting the end of April 2010, Mr. Balshan advanced the proposal that Freeborn County withdraw from SCHA, which would be effective at year’s end. That action prevailed 3-2. I learned that special board meetings are neither recorded or broadcast. I have heard that Mr. Belshan stated a couple “million dollar babies” would use up the remaining county reserve (which is about $1.5 million) and that he was not receptive to hearing SCHA carries re-insurance against catastrophic events. Without public record, there is no independent way to verify what was or wasn’t said in reaching the decision to withdraw.

The business plan projected partner counties would be repaid their initial investment in four years, it was done nearly two years early. Year-end operating balances were placed in reserve for each county to be used for local special health care projects or other approved needs. SCHA encountered challenging times in 2008 and ’09 in part caused by a delay in allowing additional counties to join SCHA and some cost miscalculations by state administration plus a state proposal for major medical care reductions (later rescinded). However, that prompted many to seek care before the deadline costing about $4 million which was met through use of some of the reserves.

SCHA provided partner counties with considerable computer and audio/video equipment, access to secure transmission capability and developed specialized software. This allowed court and other county personnel to remain here for certain hearings and specialist medical consultations rather than having to travel. Numerous workshops were transmitted using this equipment, frequently including staff from nearby counties, again reducing travel. The specialized software enhanced record keeping, simplified referral connections and improved coordination among providers. Many times funding through SCHA replaced personnel and other costs that would have come from local taxes.

The state has authorized SCHA to continue providing coverage for this group of Freeborn residents in 2011 because a number of federal and state changes are coming. However, Freeborn will no longer benefit by being a partner or have a voice in future decisions that will be made.

Darryl Meyer

Albert Lea