Record detox costs projected for Blue Earth County
By Mark Fischenich, The Free Press, Mankato, Minn. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
"Our costs continue to go up, and it is sizable," said Human Services Director
The most common
"Which isn't a huge surprise, I think," Claussen said.
Commissioner
Campbell said he recognizes that the university has taken steps to educate students about alcohol and chemical abuse.
"Maybe more effort needs to go into that ... if it's the student population that's costing the county money," Campbell said.
Claussen and Assistant Human Services Director
Cost are projected to reach nearly
Through the end of September, 318 males and 104 females had been transported to the
Nearly 45 percent of the county's cost for detox services were generated by 47 repeat clients, ranging from 30 people who've made two trips to
The nearly
The implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which means a higher percentage of the population is insured, could help boost the insurance payments coming back to the county -- particularly if Medical Assistance ultimately covers detox costs.
"It's in the works," Claussen said of attempts to get MA coverage for detoxification, "so that could have a big bearing (on net costs to the county.)"
The county is projected to spend more than
"We've been pretty stable as far as the number of individuals who have arrived needing this type of service," Youngerberg said.
Those costs are often covered by insurance, but Claussen said the county will provide a chemical dependency assessment for any resident seeking help.
"We would work with anyone who comes to our door," he said.
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