BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

CANTON — St. Lawrence County legislators took action on a number of resolutions geared toward improving healthcare in the region.

During the legislature’s full board meeting on Aug. 7, legislators approved signing contracts with Medicaid managed care organizations and commercial insurances for behavioral health provider services.

Legislators say the Community Services Department is in the process of updating and establishing new contracts with insurance providers that cover the North Country region.

To date, there are nine major insurance providers that service St. Lawrence County, with a mix of Medicare and Medicaid managed care organizations, along with several private commercial payers, officials say.

Officials say Community Services will receive consultation from EPOCH as part of the current agreement.

Legislators also approved a measure authorizing the chair to sign a memorandum of understanding with Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization to participate in a health resources and services administration (HRSA) grant.

Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization has received a four-year HRSA grant, which began July 1, 2023 and ends on June 30, 2027, officials say.

The purpose of the grant is to administer whole person-centered care management for the rural population served by FDRHPO, assisting post-discharge from inpatient or emergency department settings.

The program also seeks to implement chronic care management where eligible, high-risk, high needs patients work with their care team on a comprehensive care planning to achieve patients’ identified wellness goals while engaging in preventative care.

Officials say they expect increased closure of identified care gaps, reduced hospital readmissions, increased access to care through telehealth services, improved patient-centered care, patient engagement in care planning and increased collaboration between primary care and community providers.

In other action, legislators authorized the chair to sign a letter to Medicare as part of the credentialing process for the opioid treatment program.

As part of the process, the application requires a signed letter from the legislative chair on official letterhead, legislators say.

The letter will state that the county will be legally responsible for any outstanding debt owed to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The letter must be signed by an “authorized official” who has the authority to legally and financially bind the county to the laws, regulations and program instructions of Medicare.

Legislators also approved a resolution proclaiming August as National Immunization Awareness month.

The Public Health Department is observing National Immunization Awareness Month in August “to highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages.”

Public health officials say providing children with vaccines recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, before their second birthday is the best way to protect against 14 serious and potentially deadly diseases.

Vaccines recommended for individuals are based on age, health conditions, job, lifestyle and travel habits, officials say.

Officials also noted that some childhood vaccines can diminish in effectiveness over time, making it necessary for adults to keep vaccinations up-to-date.