REPORTS:

Per Diem Rate Increase Request:

Jim Troumbly, Director of The Bridge, provided information/reasons regarding a per diem rate increase request of $97/day (from $86.52/day) beginning July 1, 2008.  ICHHS recommended that the board not approve the rate increase request. 

Motion by Commissioner McLynn, seconded by Commissioner Burthwick to approve The Bridge per diem rate increase request of $97/day.  Ayes – Dist. #1 and Dist. #2.  Nays – Dist. #3, #4, and #5.  Motion failed.

Following discussion, motion by Commissioner Burthwick, seconded by Commissioner Mandich to refer the issue of provider needs back to the ICHHS budgetary process, and also review the policy (previously approved by the board to, over a 3-year period of time, adjust the payment rate to DOC Group Homes so that they are all paid at the same rate).  Ayes – Dist. #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5.  Nays – None.  Motion carried. 

ICHHS DIVISION UPDATES:

Business-Fiscal Division

Six (6) Month Out-of-Home Placement Update (by vendor)

In the Absence of Eric Villeneuve, (Business-Fiscal Division Manager), Director Kachinske gave an update on out-of-home placement costs (as of June 2008) by vendor (handout). 

Brett Skyles, CBP (IMCare) Division

How 2008 Legislative Actions will affect IMCare

Brett reported that IMCare will see a few changes come about for 2009.  The State will be withholding another 3% of their capitation.  The State will also put an aggregate administrative level across all MN health care programs.

Commissioner Mandich exited the meeting at 1:47 pm. 

Sue Erzar, Public Health (PH) Division

WIC Update – Ruth Pierce

Sue Erzar talked about one of (the six areas of Public Health responsibilities, entitled ”healthy communities and healthy behaviors”, and referenced the “Plant to Plate” Public Health/Community partnership.

Ruth gave an update on WIC (Women, infant and Children), which is a federal program which provides vouchers for nutritious foods.  During the first six months of 2008, over $450,000 worth of WIC vouchers were redeemed in Itasca County.  In May, WIC served 1,284 people in the county (746 households);  308 were infants, 644 children (ages:1-5), 148 were pregnant women, and 184 were post-partum women.

Marian Barcus, F&CS Division

CD Managed Care Update

Marian gave an update on CD Managed Care Programs.  In June, the CD providers decided not to continue being at risk with the county, and providing CD services, in an at-risk managed care system, which would take affect July 1^st.  Providers will work with ICHHS in the transition.

Commissioner Mandich entered the meeting at 1:57 pm. 

Director:  Lester L. Kachinske: 

Rural Rides Project:

Leah Hall provided a project overview of the Rural Rides Project.  AEOA began the program in January 2008 and is presently operating in St, Louis County.  The Rural Rides Transportation Coordination Project is a toolbox approach responding to unresolved transportation barriers low-income households face in seeking or maintaining employment.  Through transportation advocates, program participants build a personalized transportation plan and are linked with bus tickets, taxi vouchers, rideshare and volunteer drivers to ensure reliable transportation to job-seeking activities and employment.  

Motion by Commissioner Mandich, seconded by Commissioner Burthwick to support the Rural Rides Itasca County Project.  Ayes – Dist. #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5.  Nays – None. Motion carried.

Legislative Wrap-up/Maintenance of Effort (MOE)

Lester provided an update on the Maintenance of Effort (MOE).  Legislatures removed the MOE in Itasca County, but will now be repealing the removal of the MOE.

IMCare News

This is a quarterly newsletter which is distributed to provider offices.

Commissioners’ Concerns:

There were no commissioner concerns.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to come before the ICHHS Board, Chairperson Dowling adjourned the meeting at 2:18 pm.

Attest