Medical expenses among topics as Hughes Co. officials meet with legislators

FORT PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – Ahead of the start of South Dakota’s Legislative Session next week, Hughes County officials met with District 24 legislators to discuss subjects that impact county government.

County manager Kevin Hipple says one big expense is court appointed attorney fees.

Paying the healthcare costs of indigent individuals is another major expense for Hughes County. Hipple says last year they paid the medical bills for about 40 poor people with another 50-60 claims pending in lawsuits Avera has brought against the county.

Hipple says another issue counties have with medical expenses for the poor is a difference in how long to give people to pay off the bill.

South Dakota’s 96th Legislative Session begins Jan. 12.