News
All News stories
- SCHA launches Be Fit Exercise Reward Program
- 2009 Provider Education Sessions for TPA Change Announched
- It's Flu Season!
- 2009 Critical Access Dental Payment Program information released
- SCHA Makes (Radio) Waves!
- New Board Chairman Elected
- SCHA Opens Office in Brainerd, MN
- Dennis O'Brien Visits SCHA
- SCHA Selects Brian A. Nasi as New CEO
SCHA Launches Be Fit Exercise Reward Program
Nov 28 , 2008 SCHA is excited to offer a new program that rewards members for exercising. Beginning January 1st, 2009, SCHA members will be eligible for up to $20 off the cost of their monthly health club membership fees simply by exercising at least 8 days per month. Read more on the SCHA Health Promotions page.
2009 Provider Education Sessions for TPA Change Announced
Nov 28 , 2008 Beginning January 1, 2009, South Country Health Alliance will be moving to one Third Party Administrator (TPA) using our direct provider network for all programs. MMSI will administer all claims, authorization and benefits. Below you will find a schedule of the dates, times and locations for provider education sessions, or download a pdf of the schedule here.
Topics to include: claim submission – paper and electronically, prior authorization and notifications, member ID cards, contact information and how to access forms and information from the SCHA and MMSI web sites.
- Location: Community Services Building, Family Services/Public Health Room
Address: 1117 Center Street New Ulm, MN
Date: January 7, 2009
Time: 8:30-10:00 AM - Location: Services Building
Address: 411 Hiawatha Dr. E Wabasha, MN
Date: January 7, 2009
Time: 2:00-3:30 PM - Location: Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites (behind Cabela’s)
Address: 2365 43rd St. NW Owatonna, MN
Date: January 8, 2009
Time: 9:00-10:30 AM - Location: Kanabec County Courthouse
Address: 18 N Vine St. Mora, MN
Date: January 13, 2009
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM
For more information about these training sessions, contact Jim Barkhaus at SCHA's Brainerd office:
South Country Health Alliance
322 Laurel Street Suite 31, P.O. Box 463
Brainerd, MN 56401
Toll Free: 800-903-4182
Main Line: 218-316-3199
Fax Line: 218-316-3190
Email: jbarkhaus@mnscha.org
It's Flu Season!
Nov 28 , 2008 SCHA is mailing postcard reminders to all members for its 2008 Flu Campaign, urging everyone to talk to their doctor about getting a flu shot. Read more on the SCHA Health Promotions page.
2009 Critical Access Dental Payment Program information released
Oct 2008 The 2009 Critical Access Dental Payment Program information was released on Monday, October 13th. SCHA encourages enrolled providers to visit the DHS website for information. Deadline for submission is November 21. Click here for program information.
SCHA Makes (Radio) Waves!
April 2008 Have you heard the news? Click the image at the left to listen to two recent radio ads promoting SCHA's health programs.
(running length, 1 minute).
New Board Chairman Elected
January 2008 At the January SCHA Joint Powers Board meeting, Commissioner Ted Seifert (Goodhue County) was elected the Chairman of the Joint Powers Board. Commissioner Jim Dowson (Cass County) was elected the Vice Chairman of the board.
South Country Health Alliance Opens Office in Brainerd, MN
July 17, 2007 South Country Health Alliance (SCHA) has opened a satellite office in Brainerd, Minnesota. The office is located at 322 Laurel Street in the lower level of the Crow Wing County Land Services building.
The office is currently staffed by Jeanette Garcia (Office Support Specialist), Jim Barkhaus (Provider Relations Specialist), and Steve Zauhar (State & Government Program Manger). The office will be open from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
SCHA expanded offering government health programs in the counties of Cass, Crow Wing, Todd, Morrison, and Wadena January 1, 2007. The satellite office was opened so there is a local SCHA connection for those counties. The SCHA Brainerd office will work directly with the SCHA office in Owatonna, Minnesota. Download a pdf of the June 16, 2006 newspaper article that first announced SCHA's expansion into Region V. Brainerd Dispatch Article (pdf)
Dennis O'Brien from the Governor's Health Cabinet visits SCHA
May 14, 2007 Dennis O’Brien from the Governor’s Health Cabinet attended the SCHA Joint Powers Board Meeting May 14, 2007. O’Brien attended to discuss health care in Minnesota and to learn more about SCHA and county-based purchasing.
South Country Health Alliance Selects Brian A. Nasi as CEO
Board Chair Jerry Nelson welcomed Brian A. Nasi as newly selected CEO on May 14, 2007.
May 14 , 2007 South Country Health Alliance (SCHA) has selected Brian A. Nasi as CEO. Nasi will join SCHA in June.
Nasi has worked for Hennepin County since 2000. His most recent position with Hennepin County was as the Chief Operating Officer for NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center. Prior to working for Hennepin County, Nasi was employed at Scott County as a Deputy County Administrator, and Civil Division Chief.
Nasi graduated from the William Mitchell College of Law with a Juris Doctor degree. Nasi belongs to the Health Care Compliance Association, Joint Commission (JCAHO), and the Minnesota State Bar Association.
Leota Lind, SCHA’s Director of Operations and Interim CEO said, “We are very excited to have Brian join the SCHA team. I believe Brian has a philosophy and commitment that is consistent with our mission. We look forward to continued opportunities and growth with his leadership.”