The mediation between South Country Health Alliance and the Department of Human Services has reached a conclusion and the resolution was made public on October 1^st. The mediation concerned the appeal to review the SCHA proposal to provide prepaid medical assistance to low income residents. After a lengthy mediation session, Commissioner Jesson approved South Country as one of two potential care plans for 11 counties in the area.

In July, it seemed South Country would lose the majority of its participants and could have resulted in the end of the alliance. Has the original ruling stood, South Country would have served only Dodge County.

South Country representatives feel the decision is good news. They also point out the alliance is the only choice in eight of the 11 counties. They accept they will likely lose a few members who decide to go with the other options – Blue Cross – but they understand that in some cases, name recognition will play a role. They are happy the ruling allows the alliance to stay open for the near future.

Despite the positive ruling for South Country, they still see challenges in the future, specifically related to their advertising budget. The alliance is a government entity, so it can be tough reaching people in the community and marketing their services. They hope to receive continued support from lawmakers and that the next legislative session could result in positive changes and less ambiguity. Representatives are happy with their working relationship with local officials and hope it continues with them on the right path, allowing the alliance to continue its service to the community.