Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rock County approves $5,000 boost to Gap Fund to expand affordable therapy access
Summary
The Rock County board voted to increase its annual appropriation to the Rock County Gap Fund from $10,000 to $15,000 to help residents with high deductibles pay for mental-health therapy; presenters said the fund has reimbursed 139 sessions and currently holds about $33,015.
The Rock County Board voted to increase its annual appropriation to the Rock County Gap Fund by $5,000, bringing the county contribution to $15,000.
Representatives of the Gap Fund — who identified themselves as Angela (presenter), Vincent Smalls (elementary counselor), Skye Peltier Anderson (Banyan Tree Counseling) and Erica Huff (owner, Evergreen Counseling) — told the board the program helps Rock County residents with high-deductible insurance (deductible over $2,500) who are not enrolled in Medicaid to afford therapy by covering provider fees and charging a $25 participant contribution. Angela said the fund had recently increased its provider reimbursement from $100 to $110 to better match Medicaid rates and to keep providers engaged.
The presenters reported program activity and finances: the fund’s cash balance stood at $33,015.39 and the group had expended $13,900 to date, paying for an estimated 139 counseling sessions. They said the program has recruited about 20 counselors across Luverne, Brandon and Sioux Falls and that 42 clients had been active at one point; four clients had used the program’s 10-session limit and some applicants have requested a second 10-session authorization.
Board members praised the program’s grassroots support and its approach to reducing stigma. One commissioner said the county already had $10,000 budgeted for the program and moved to add $5,000 more to make the appropriation $15,000; another commissioner seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.
Presenters emphasized eligibility and operation details during follow-up questions: the program serves residents with a Rock County address; sessions are typically 45 minutes; there is an initial 10-session limit tied to available funding and, in some cases, the board’s advisory body has approved a second 10-session authorization. Presenters also said they accept telehealth-only providers and work with Sanford and other clinics to broaden access and preserve client privacy.
The board’s action funds ongoing operations this fiscal year; presenters said they will continue pursuing outside grants and local fundraising to sustain and expand capacity.
The board approved the appropriation increase and did not record individual roll-call vote counts; the motion passed by voice vote.
