County debates cost of inmate healthcare

Sheriff John Jenson appeared before the Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners to discuss a proposed Jail Medical Agreement.

The Cheyenne County jail currently holds 18 inmates, leaving only three beds open.

“Because of the way the statutes are written, our hands are tied,” Jenson said. “If they’re in our custody, we have to provide whatever medical care we can.”

The changes in the Affordable Care Act should allow inmates to become eligible for Medicaid in certain circumstances. Clauses are in place to deal with scenarios such as an inmate needing $50,000 in medical care and the question of coverage under the proposed agreement.

The proposed agreement calls for the physician's assistant service in the county to pay the hospital an hourly rate of $60 and a maximum of $1,100 per month for prisoners. The flat rate of $1,100 should cover all medical expenses for inmates.

“Everybody coming in has a medical problem or some kind of problem that they’re not dealing with on the outside,” Jenson said.

Due to some issues with wording in the agreement, Sheriff Jenson will represent the agreement to the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 16 at 9:00 a.m. Jenson will meet with the county attorney to clarify the agreement.