The Johnson County Board of Supervisors discussed establishing service agreements and Medicaid rates for 13 local providers Thursday and decided to continue the discussion at next week’s formal meeting.

Supervisor Janelle Rettig voiced concerns about increasing rates for some providers without providing explanations.

"I’m just saying that … Goodwill Industries [of the Heartland] is getting a 3.6 percent increase in its [supported-community living rates]; why does it get a 3.6 percent increase and Chatham Oaks is getting no increase … to me it’s just not fair," she said.

Rettig suggested using cost reports to make the rates more fair and questioned why the rates for Chatham Oaks had not increased from $57 when the nonprofit has a cost report of more than $71.

"I don’t like the inconsistencies; it makes me feel like some institutions are being favored," she said.

Kris Artley, the Johnson County Mental Health and Disability Services director, said she is open to establishing a uniform, across-the-board rate for all providers.

The supervisors agreed to continue discussing a flat rate at their June 28 meeting.

— by Anna Egeland