Health Department Asks Counties for More Support

The Baraga County Board of Commissioners has heard first-hand about a need for more money for the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

At last night’s meeting, health officer Kate Beer said reductions in Medicaid reimbursement have reduced revenue. A growing unfunded liability for legacy retirement programs is hogging a larger percentage of the money that remains.

Beer says they’ve tightened their belt…

The Health Department is asking the boards of the five counties it serves for a $25,000 annual funding increase. Baraga County’s share of that would be around $3,600. The board took the request under advisement.