Supervisors hear update from Veterans Memorial Hospital, approve snow fence agreement on County Farm property and lease agreement with City of Waukon

by Joe Moses

The Allamakee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Monday, February 2 to address a full agenda of matters including an update from Veterans Memorial Hospital, discussion of signing a lease agreement between Allamakee County and the City of Waukon, and discussion of a structural snow fence agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation. The meeting was called to order by Board of Supervisors Chairperson Tom Clark with Supervisors Dan Byrnes and Dennis Keatley present.

During Public Comment, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Coyle with Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH) discussed the impact of Medicare Advantage plans upon Waukon and Allamakee County. Coyle made note of perceived initial cost savings for patients relating to Medicare Advantage with concerns later arising from prior authorization requirements and an 80-percent automatic denial rate causing delays in treatment and ultimately higher costs for patients.

Coyle further noted that when permission is eventually provided, rural hospitals are paid below costs causing higher charity care costs. He recommended that senior citizens research Medicare Advantage plan options by reaching out to Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors at VMH prior to making these decisions. Coyle further noted that many of VMH’s rural partners are reviewing Medicare Advantage to determine whether these plans will continue to be accepted. Byrnes added to Coyle’s comments by making note of the role of SHIIP counselors at VMH in assisting Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers with questions relating to coverage, benefits and options available.

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