2003 - 04-07-03 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 0 bu0; 19 PAGE ;276 leaving it as a grass lot and placing "parking signs" to let the public know it is available. Chairman Hincks instructed Mr. Cole to get information for signage and stone prior to the next meeting and advise Commissioners of the cost. No action was taken on the matter. The board considered health insurance renewal with CIGNA Healthcare. Taylor Uzzell told the board that a 10.5% increase was originally quoted and lie had been able to negotiate additional cuts to a 7.5% increase with few changes to the coverage. He further told the board that for an additional $20,200 the county could switch to an open access plan, which would not require referrals from a Primary Care Physician in order to see a specialist. After some discussion, Commissioner Reives moved to approve the renewal contract with CIGNA Healthcare, including the open access option for fiscal year 2003- 2004. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Adams, T-fincks, Lemmond, Matthews, Paschal, Reives, and Stevens Nay: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. The board heard a presentation from Health Director Mike Hanes concerning a Primary Health Care alternative with Central Carolina Hospital. Mr. Hanes told the board that the plan involved having a Primary Care Clinic operation at the health department in the early evening hours of Monday through Friday from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., hopefully by July I" or as soon thereafter as possible. Chief Operating Officer of Central Carolina Hospital Dale Armstrong told the board that there has been an incredible increase recently in the number of emergency room visits for non-emergency visits. He stated that many people use the emergency room as a primary care clinic versus the emergency room for lack of another place to go during off hours. Mr. Hanes presented a draft budget for fiscal year 2003-2004 of $39,909.00 for the clinic, with Central Carolina Hospital contributing $66,000.00. The county would need to hire a mid-level Practitioner, one-half time nurse, two half-time administration support persons and a half- time interpreter, along with a half-time security officer and housekeeper services. Mr. Hanes told the board that he anticipates the clinic will be self-supporting, with patient payments from Medicaid, private insurance and self-pay. After some discussion, Commissioner Reives moved to proceed with the Primary Care Clinic as presented and see if the program can sustain with filling of positions. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Adams, Hincks, Lemmond, Matthews, Paschal, Reives, and Stevens Nav: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. The board considered the hiring of a Physician Extender for the Jail Flealth/BCCCP position. Health Director Mike Hanes told the board that after extensive advertising lie had received two applications and would like to allow the position to an 3