NEW ULM — Brown County Commissioners learned about South Country Health Alliance (SCHA) programs and services for residents eligible for Medical Assistance Tuesday.

SCHA is a county-owned, county-based purchasing health plan serving residents of any age that are eligible for Medical Assistance in Brown, Sibley and six other counties to the east and north.

“I’m really pleased we can provide such a robust benefit program for our seniors,” said South County CEO Leta Lind in her fall report.

Supplemental benefits include a grocery assistance program. Members receive a quarterly grocery card to purchase eligible healthy foods from participating retailers including Walmart, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Walgreen Drug Stores and Cub Foods.

Members can receive up to $1,000 for home and safety devices or modifications promoting independent living including grab bars, bathtub seats, handrails, non-slip flooring, temporary wheelchair ramps and lift chairs.

Other benefits are up to $40 of monthly health club memberships, post inpatient hospitalization home-delivered meals twice daily for up to 89 days; a porcelain dental crown annually upon medical necessity, up to $148.80 a year for eye wear lens upgrades and a MedScope Personal Emergency Response System with no annual maximum.

The Rightbites for Life Program provides those with or at risk for diabetes 16 weeks of delivered food and a dedicated nutrition coach.

DelfinaCare partners with county public health, supports members first trimester through 12 months postpartum.

Doctor on Demand offers an in-network, telehealth-only provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for urgent care, online treatment for 90% of all common ER complaints, from common colds to uncommon rashes with no co-pay.

Online therapy or psychiatry visits are also available in as little as 7 days, same-day in some cases may be available.

Community Care Connectors bridge the gap between medical and human services, public health, and other community resources, helping members access medical, dental and other health care services including coordinating care after hospitalization, getting necessary equipment and addressing any aftercare concerns.

Lind said Healthy Pathways, available to any member age 17 and up prevents mental health deterioration and substance use disorder to members with early intervention and education. Case managers connect members to ongoing treatment services, coordination services, Medicaid benefits and supports.

South Country has reinvested $22 million back into communities with community care connectors, grants, technology, programs and services. Up to an additional $4.2 million in grants will be given in January 2025.

“I want to thank you for South Country providing community reinvestment funds. We see a lot of wonderful things coming out of this that we don’t normally see with insurance companies,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.