By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
As the 2027 budgeting process continues for local government, Saline County Commissioners have heard from the community about concerns for the home health program.
The Saline County Home Health program has, since 1966, provided home health care services to all ages and has received support from grants, government funding and taxpayer dollars.
Now, conversations within the county are starting to shape around its future.
A recent Facebook post from the community advocated for continued support for the home health program.
The post vouched for its support by saying, "Our County Home Health team has the privilege of caring for some of the most vulnerable members of our community—older adults, individuals with disabilities, people living with chronic illnesses, and those who need assistance to remain safely in their own homes."
A key component of the home health program is the primary nursing care model. This model means that a single nurse is identified as the point of contact and supervises all other disciplines during the episode of care.
The program values the relationship between the patient and caregiver.
Moreover, a registered nurse is on call 24/7.
One of the main discussion points within the commission is whether or not the home health program is the same as other programs and services within the community.
When comparing the county's home health program to other services in the community, Commissioner Annie Grevas said it is "apples and oranges."
Grevas said the county's home health program is one of three departments in Kansas that do home health.
Moreover, the county's home health program also accepts insurances such as:
- Medicare.
- Medicaid.
- Grant programs through the Area Agency on Aging (link to ncfhaaa.com)
- VA Optum (Veterans).
- Home Community-Based Services (HCBS).
- Private insurance like Blue Cross, Blue Shield, and other commercial plans.
- Private pay.
The community Facebook post added, "Some patients require Medicaid, waiver services, or other forms of care that private agencies may not be able—or willing—to provide at the same level. There are patients whose needs are complex."
Commissioner Joe Hay said he has spoken with various residents, healthcare professionals, received emails, text messages and phone calls regarding the program.
He said after his research, conversations and reviewing information about the program, that he does not want the home health program to be disbanded.
"I do not believe this is the direction our county should take," Hay said. "Home Health provides critical care that allows many of our seniors, veterans, and other vulnerable residents to remain safely in their homes while receiving the care they need. It has been serving our community for decades and continues to be an important part of our local healthcare system."
Hay added he is deciding to support the program based on facts and what is right for our community.
"I was elected to listen, to ask questions, to study the issues, and to make decisions that are in the best interest of the people of Saline County—not based on politics, but based on facts and what is right for our community."
Grevas said the budgeting process is in the preliminary stage and is nowhere near making any final decisions.
She also reached out to the community and heard both sides saying to "cut funding, or not."
Grevas stated she is leaning more toward not cutting the program as well.
She also clarified that the budgeting process is not about choosing one thing over the other.
The county stated that the goal remains the same: providing quality services to residents in the most effective way possible.
According to the county, the commission will continue this discussion during its next public meeting on Tuesday, August 11 at 9:00 am in Room #107 at the City-County building (300 W. Ash Street, Salina, KS)
Health Department Director Jason Tiller will present information on the current state of the program, the challenges it faces, and options for how the county could proceed.
County Administrator Matt Stiles said the commission wants the conversation to occur openly and with meaningful public participation.
"Trust is the currency of public service; public input is a core part of that," Stiles said. "Home Health is a unique and complicated service that requires significant county investment. Nothing final has been decided but the options range from continuing the status quo to winding the service down completely. We recognize that this issue is important to patients, caregivers, employees, and our community in general. We want anyone interested to have the opportunity to share their point of view."
Grevas commends Stiles and county staff for making the budgeting process run smoothly.
"In his (Stiles) first year doing this, he is doing an excellent job. Stiles has given us thoughtful and well laid out plans, which makes a huge difference. Commissioners don't have to do it on their own, and staff makes the process a whole lot better."
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting and share their perspectives during that portion of the agenda. The commission welcomes respectful feedback from anyone with an interest in the future of home health services at the Saline County Health Department.
Commissioners can also be reached through the county’s website by clicking here.
Anyone unable to attend in person may also watch the meeting through the county's regular livestream and archived video platforms.
Click here for access to the county's YouTube page.
Links to all agendas, documents, and access to the video platforms can be found on the county’s website by clicking here.