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Waseca County to contract as MNsure navigator so a bilingual community health worker can bill enrollment assistance
Summary
County public-health staff will contract as a MNsure navigator to allow a certified community health worker to provide and bill for application navigation (including Spanish-language assistance); the board approved the contract with a six-month fiscal update and a one-year renewal review.
County public-health staff recommended becoming a contracted MNsure navigator so a certified community health worker can provide navigation services — including Spanish-language assistance — and generate reimbursable revenue for successful enrollments. Staff said navigation can be delivered in person, virtually or by telephone and that the MNsure reimbursement is $100 per enrolled individual after eligibility is determined.
The board discussed timing and requested fiscal metrics. One commissioner proposed waiting a year to evaluate fiscal impacts; other commissioners supported a six-month update. The motion approving the contract was modified to require staff return with financial metrics at six months and a fuller renewal review after one year.
Staff said the navigator role would not add headcount immediately but would capture revenue for work the community health worker is already doing and could reduce staff time by enabling phone-based assistance. The board approved the modified motion by voice vote.
