Congrats, Welcomes & Updates on the Medicaid Arrears Payment

When the Bent County Public Health Department met this week, Interim Director Rick Ritter had congratulations, welcomes and updates to make.

Thunderous applause broke out when Bent County Health Department employee Buenalyn Conger was congratulated on her completion of the American Citizenship process. New staff member Jenny Cadenas was welcomed as she joined the team as a Home Health Licensed Practical Nurse.

Ritter announced that Southeast Colorado schools were able to save money on chemical cleanup. Otero County Health Department Environmental Services Program Director Su Korbitz and Dr. Janell Maier secured an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency to pick up the unwanted and unnecessary chemicals and dispose of them at no cost to the schools.

As for the Medicaid payment in arrears update, Ritter told the board that he has been emailing the billing company with no luck or any information. Ritter stated in the email that this has been going on long enough and linking the account to the correct account shouldn't be that difficult. On the day of the meeting, Ritter had yet to hear back from anyone at either company, MatrixCare or Sandata.

A financial summary was presented which showed that in June of 2025, revenue was $57,908.09 and expenses totaled $94,915.78, which left a deficit that month of #37,007.69, however the fund balance was $1,364,230.46.

By Colorado State Statue, the health department will need to estimate costs for the coming year by September 1st.

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