NEW ULM — South Country Health Alliance (SCHA) CEO Leota Lind praised the Minnesota Supreme Court’s August decision to uphold the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision affirming counties have the right to choose CBP (county- based purchasing).

“After more than a decade of challenges, it’s a major legal win. The case will return to district court for resolution and enforcement. Awareness of CBP is growing,” said Lind in her fall report to Brown County commissioners Tuesday.

South Country Health Alliance is a county-based purchasing health plan serving seven Minnesota counties — Brown, Dodge, Goodhue, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha and Waseca — in a joint effort to support accessible, quality health care through partnerships with community services and local health care providers for more than 25,000 Minnesota Health Care Program enrollees.

Lind said SCHA strategic priorities are working collaboratively with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to solidify the role of CBP in delivery of health care programs, working with other CBPs to educate legislators and county commissioners about the unique value, health outcomes and economic impact of CBP and examples of successful legislative strategies they can support.

According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, counties that participate in CBP report saving 5% to 15% on healthcare costs. In 2020, it was estimated the program saved Minnesota taxpayers about $100 million. Savings come from improved efficiency, better care coordination and reduced administrative costs.

Lind said 2025 Minnesota legislation passed established CARMA (county-administered rural medical assistance implementation.

CARMA is a distinct, county-owned and administered alternative to the Prepaid Medical Assistance Program (PMAP) with more integration of health care, public health and social services to address health-related social needs. It seeks to account for the smaller number of Medical Assistance (MA) enrollees and providers in rural counties.

New programs include Rite Bites for Life, a 12-month pilot program based on nutrition, targeting members with diabetes and obesity. It provides dietician support and meal delivery.

Doctor on Demand is designed to improve access, especially in rural areas by expanding virtual access to counseling, psychiatric and urgent care.

Participants report improved health outcomes, more cost-effectiveness and improved healthcare access in under-served rural communities.

Lind said 2026 Medicaid program contract rates average 14.3% more than 2025.

“That’s the biggest increase in my time. This is an example of why we feel our programs are important for smaller communities. We have found that nutrition and behavioral health are most important now for people Medicare,” said Lind.

She said new Medicare eligibility rules and work requirements are scheduled to become effective in 2027.

Brown County Commissioner Brian Braun asked about the possibility of offering health insurance for people who don’t qualify for group insurance plans.

Lind said offering such a program is a good long-term goal.

Lind said search tools for directories to find a health care provider, dentist, pharmacy and drugs are available on the SCHA website: https://www.mnscha.org/. Member services can be called at 1-866-567-7242 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.