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County delays decision on $60,000 telehealth membership after commissioners request usage data
Summary
Winona County tabled a proposal to purchase a telehealth membership service (packet spellings vary: Kavera/Kuvera/Kadiva) after commissioners and the county attorney asked for county-specific usage statistics, clarification on voluntariness and verification of geographic coverage.
Winona County commissioners on Sept. 23 tabled a recommendation to subscribe to a telehealth membership service described in the packet as Kavera (the packet also uses alternate spellings) after members said the proposal lacked evidence of savings and clarity about enrollment terms.
Human-resources director Todd Sudler presented the service as a membership product, roughly $60,000, that would offer virtual diagnosis and prescriptions for a capped list of medications and could be used for routine illnesses. Sudler framed the program as one option employers are using to increase access in rural areas and described potential savings the county broker had estimated, but staff did not present county-specific utilization metrics.
County Attorney Sondaman expressed concern that the packet language suggested the membership might be employer-funded and potentially non‑voluntary; Sondaman said the vendor appears to be based in Wayzata and pressed for clarity on whether enrollment would be mandatory or optional for employees. Sudler responded that the service was intended to be optional but acknowledged staff had not produced usage data or metrics specific to Winona County.
Multiple commissioners asked for empirical evidence that the service reduces claims or premiums, details on whether remote visits would cover Winona County residents and whether a local provider (for example, Winona Health or Gundersen) could supply similar services. Commissioners suggested staff seek metrics from the vendor and broker and, if appropriate, pursue local vendors.
The board voted to table the proposal and requested additional information, including vendor usage statistics, demonstration of cost savings, clarification that enrollment would be voluntary, and confirmation of Winona County coverage and prescription fulfillment.
What’s next: Human Resources will request vendor and broker data and return the item for further consideration; commissioners indicated the issue is not time sensitive and can be revisited before final benefit decisions are locked.
