Volunteer drivers face funding cut

Volunteer drivers who donate time to take people to health care appointments are facing a cut in mileage reimbursement.

Susan Beck, community services director, said volunteers are reimbursed 50 cents a mile. But a change in reimbursement begun by the federal government and now adopted by the state means drivers will only be paid when they have the person they picked up in the vehicle.

That means they wouldn't be compensated for leaving Brainerd to pick someone up in Nisswa or be paid for the return trip if the individual stayed at the health care facility in the Twin Cities, St. Cloud or even Rochester.

Beck said she doesn't expect volunteer drivers to put in a long day and then be only partially reimbursed for costs. Beck said $17,000 a year is now being reimbursed for volunteer drivers. She suggested a fund of $500 to fill in the gap for a few months temporarily while a solution is sought. The alternative may be loss of volunteer drivers, meaning people, won't have access to health care.

Commissioner Paul Thiede questioned the county picking up a cost the federal government used to cover. Beck said she didn't disagree but she worried about the 86-year-old who no longer drives and how that customer would be affected.

Commissioner Rachel Reabe Nystrom's motion to approve the $500 died for lack of a second. Nystrom said she thought it was a good investment.

Commissioner Doug Houge said he couldn't imagine running out of volunteers, but wanted to keep track of it. Some drivers will be lost, Commissioner Rosemary Franzen said, but she questioned whether faith groups were contacted as an option. Beck said they already coordinated with Interfaith Caregivers and others.

While he commended Beck for being the drivers' advocate, Thiede said everyone is feeling the pinch a little harder and more is going to be asked of people.

Beck said she'd try to look for another solution. Board Chairman Phil Trusty suggested she may bring the issue back at a future time.

RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.