The Broadband County Board of Commissioners approved engagement letters Aug. 7 with WIPLI to prepare Medicaid and Medicare cost reports for the period ending June 30, 2025, and authorized the chair to sign documents as recommended by the senior director of finance.

Staff told the board the engagement terms are similar to the prior year but now include a stricter timeline: submitted materials must reach the contractor within 45 days, or the contractor may impose an additional 25% fee for late work. Finance staff said the contract fee is expected to be roughly $7,500 and that meeting the 45-day deadline is important to avoid higher charges.

Why it matters: the Medicare and Medicaid cost reports are time-sensitive filings that can affect the county’s reimbursement and budget. Finance staff said they anticipate this may be the last year the county uses outside assistance for Medicaid cost reports and described plans to work with a neighboring county that prepares its own reports to transfer knowledge and reduce future outside costs.

Next steps: staff requested timely submission of documents to the finance office so the contractor can meet federal filing deadlines. Commissioners voted to approve the engagement letters.

Ending: Staff said they would arrange cross-training visits with a neighboring county in spring 2026 to internalize preparation of Medicaid cost reports and reduce reliance on external consultants.