Sick in Jail. Who's Paying?
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The cost of inmate healthcare is rising especially in Plymouth County Jail. This Leaves hardworking taxpayers with the check. And some folks just aren't having it.
Lillian Mohlmann, from Le Mars, IA, says "I think the one's that are in jail can pay their expense just as the one's that are out of jail. I don't think they should get any deductions."
Unfortunately, that's not always an option.
Plymouth County Sheriff, Mike Van Otterloo, says, "Most inmates don't have the money to be able to do that."
It's still the jail's responsibility to provide medical services and prescriptions for the inmates, even if it continues to cost taxpayers more money.
Plymouth County Jail is trying to curb these rising prices by seeking out a company that would offer them a flat rate for all prescriptions and services, hopefully resulting in lower taxes.
Van Otterloo says, "There's more to it than that, of course, but that is the biggest concern that I have right now and that is one of the major reasons why it is that we're gonna go with this particular company and see how they can provide a savings for us."
So why don't other counties follow this lead? Some say such companies simply wouldn't save them any money.
Sioux County Sheriff, Dan Altena, says, "We too, have looked into these companies and it just hasn't been cost effective for us so far."
And other officials say although help from a company may help lower costs the quality of service is just as important.
Dakota County Corrections Director, Terry Kern, says, "We don't just got for the little bid. The little bid never wins. You look for somebody who can provide some type of quality care. There is duty owed to the individuals behind the walls."
The Plymouth County jail will continue to monitor the efficiency of this company to see if in the long run, it's really beneficial for the county.
The company is called Advanced Correctional Healthcare, based out of Illinois.
It's expected to cover 95% of Plymouth County inmate prescriptions and provide the jail with medical personnel 24/7.
Plymouth County Jail currently holds about 30 inmates and last year alone, they averaged almost $17,000 in prescription costs alone.
