MELISSA A. CHADWICK
Observer-Dispatch

HERKIMER — Herkimer County has yet to find out if it qualifies for a mandatory Medicaid managed care program, a topic that stirred much debate in October among health care providers and Medicaid recipients.

Social Services Commissioner Ervin J. Fuller said the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services should inform the county in the upcoming months.

Meanwhile, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has contracted with the county to provide managed care, he said. Fidelis Care Medicaid and United Health Care also covers managed care in the county.

Managed care is designed to save the county $10 per person enrolled each month. It also is meant to provide preventative care, keep people out of the emergency room and have them see a primary care physician.