Freeborn County approves Medica participation agreement to keep local care coordination

Public health staff told the board the county must adopt a participation agreement with Medica because UCare is ending the relevant program; Medica will take over care coordination for clients currently served by the county. Staff said 117 clients would transfer on Oct. 1: 19 nursing-home residents, 32 elderly-waiver participants and 66 Community Well members, and that two staff work in that program area.

"We currently are serving clients through UCare, which is one of our medical assistance programs. UCare is going to be going out of business, and Medica is taking over that portion," the public health presenter said, asking the board to approve the participation agreement. Commissioners asked clarifying questions and staff said state and federal regulations are not expected to affect the transition. The board entered the resolution, seconded it, and approved the agreement on roll call.