Carbon County commissioners approve Wellpath jail health‑care contract after debate over injectables and costs

The Carbon County Board of Commissioners voted to award a two‑year contract to Wellpath to provide health care services at the county jail, approving the contract after a prolonged discussion about whether a late vendor revision would shift costs to the county.

The debate centered on three proposals returned for the county’s correctional health request for proposals. One commissioner raised concerns that Wellpath had submitted a late re‑proposal and appeared to request an additional $250,000 to cover injectable medications. The commissioner warned the change could increase county expenses by "$400,000 $500,000" in some scenarios if transport and medication costs were not covered, and questioned how the county’s Vivitrol grant would be applied when that grant expires in June.

The Chair and other commissioners said the board had reviewed written proposals and that both remaining bidders had agreed to follow county policy on injectables. The Chair emphasized budget availability and the process, saying, "What is on the agenda is what I will vote on" and noting that the current health‑care provider is leaving effective May 31, creating a deadline to select a replacement. The Chair also said the county’s grants coordinator was working to renew the Vivitrol grant.

Commissioners debated the likely number of people actively receiving injectable medication at any single time, and whether cumulative annual counts should drive contract estimates. One commissioner argued program turnover could mean many more individuals receive treatment over a year even if only about 40 are on the program at a time; another commissioner responded that transport and other costs are already factored differently by the bidders. Participants also compared vendor approaches: Medco was described as including a $150,000 cost pool for medications and transports, while Wellpath's proposal was described as covering all medications but had a late pricing change that prompted questions.

A commissioner moved to "accept the contract with Wellpath" and the Chair seconded. The clerk recorded the roll call: "Mister Arner? No." "Mister Noestein? Yes." "Mister Sofranco? Yes." The motion passed, approving the two‑year contract with Wellpath. The board noted Prime Care had notified the county it would not renew its contract and that the new contract gave the county the option to re‑bid after the two‑year term if adjustments are needed.

The board left open that staffing, transport arrangements and the Vivitrol grant timeline could affect the county’s net costs; commissioners said they will monitor implementation and revisit the contract if necessary. The solicitor and staff will execute contractual paperwork and the county’s grants coordinator will continue efforts to extend or replace the Vivitrol funding.