Logan County Board to vote tonight
on withholding health department funds
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[November 21, 2017]
LINCOLN
At the
November Logan County Board Workshop, Finance Committee Chairman
David Hepler said on Tuesday he would motion to decrease funding for
the Logan County Department of Public Health by $90,000 with the
money to be put into a contingency fund.
For this to be done, Board Chairman Chuck Ruben said they would need
a motion to put the $90,000 into a new line item as a contingency
fund.
Hepler said he would make a second motion to create the Contingency
Fund line item.
Hepler said he had a question about who is able to get care at the
SIU Center for Family Medicine, whose offices are located in the
Health Department. He wants to make sure veterans are getting care
on parity basis.
Dr. Sharon Molitoris, from SIU Dental Clinic was there to clarify
some issues that came from the event that had prompted the motion.
Dr. Molitoris said a veteran came into the clinic this week with an
acute health issue. The computer system would not permit an
appointment to be made because the new medical provider (doctor) on
duty that day was not yet credentialed under the patient's TriCare
insurance. The patient was offered an appointment when a
credentialed provider was available, but it was too far into the
future for the patient's needs.
The medical center is still new and working on the coordinating all
of the doctors coming here insurance credentialed. It has taken some
time, but it is getting done.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2017/Nov/21/images/ads/current/ldn_business_directory_small_2016.png)
When the situation was reviewed later, it was determined that this
was a glitch that would not happen to a veteran again.
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Molitoris said they are dedicated to providing care for veterans
and their families. Since this incident occurred, the medical center determined
that it would see veterans now regardless of insurance until all of their
providers can fully be credentialed by insurance plans.
She concluded, after reviewing their plan, they will better serve
veterans as they specifically look at veteran's needs.
She then read a letter about the appointment process for veterans. She said the
process is to schedule a same day appointment with a provider who is working in
the clinic that day if the veteran has an acute problem, regardless of the
provider's status with TriCare or other insurance.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2017/Nov/21/images/ads/current/maskeauction_sda_022614.png)
Molitoris said the office is also working on special program with the local
Veteran's Commission to provide coverage for dental services where the
Commission will assist with covering costs. Through area donations, they have
also earmarked funds for medical and dental services for veterans.
Molitoris added that they are dedicated to serving the people of Logan County.
Hepler said he just wants protections for veterans. He said the county would
restore the Health Department funds in January if the SIU clinic can serve
veterans in the way they plan to.
The board will vote on the motions at the Regular Board meeting tonight,
Tuesday, November 22.
[Angela Reiners] |