Riley County Commission October 22, 2012

Riley County Commission October 22, 2012

Joan Strickler, observer

 

Commissioners Johnson and McCulloh present, Johnson presiding.  Commissioner Lewis was attending a meeting in Washington D.C. and joined in by conference call for the section of the meeting devoted to employee health plan options.

Emergency Management Director Pat Collins said narrow banding radios now are used by most responders in the County.  He recommends, however, that the emergency sirens not be upgraded to narrow banding since they are simply receivers and can work quite well without the upgrade.  Collins suggests that the County’s public works employees move to the same system due to efficiency and dependability. A Med Zip system was used for years specifically by ambulance and hospital personnel, but seems unnecessary today with the availability of cell phones and radios.  He recommends the County cease using the Med Zip system which will save 12 to 13 thousand dollars a year.

Susie Kufahl, Director of the Riley County Health Department, said her department has started on its community health assessment with the help of Envisage Consulting.  The assessment is a necessary evaluation as the RCHD prepares for an upcoming review for accreditation.  The Health Department is continuing to hold flu clinics.  A recent clinic in which free pumpkins were given brought in more than 100 children and adults.  Kufahl also discussed 2012 revised budget estimates.

Tim Hegarty, with the Riley County Police Department, cautioned drivers to avoid driving too close to other vehicles, particularly in construction areas. 

Pawnee Mental Health Director Robbin Cole updated Commissioners on KANCARE, the State’s move toward a new managed care system for recipients of Medicaid health services.  The system is supposed to be in effect as of January l, 2013.  Yet, to date, only one of the three designated managed care organizations chosen by the State to serve clients has its provider manual completed.  Pawnee has signed a contract for one service from one provider, but does   not feel comfortable in signing any other contracts until provider manuals are complete.  The different providers may have different standards for what mental health services will be authorized and for billing procedures to be met.   For instance, all three may have different screening requirements prior to authorizing admission to a hospital.   As of the first of the year, clients needing mental health services will automatically be assigned one of the providers if they have not previously selected one—a difficult decision without completed manuals specifying service options.

The KANCARE system is predicted by State officials to save $1 billion in health care costs over the next five years.  An estimated 375,000 Kansans are affected by the changes.

Scott Cooper, with the Riley County Fire Department, cautioned people to get their chimneys swept prior to using wood burning fire places.

County Clerk Rich Vargo said in person advance voting begins tomorrow, October 23, both at the Courthouse and at the K-State Union.  The K-State voting option is available, not only to students and faculty, but to all Riley County residents.

Cindy Volanti, Human Resource Manager, conducted a discussion of the State Health Insurance Plan C.