Medicare Part D: The Medicare prescription drug benefit program. We call this program “Part D” for short. Medicare Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs, vaccines, and some supplies not covered by Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B or Medical Assistance. Our plan includes Medicare Part D.Medicare Part A: The Medicare program that covers most medically necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health, and hospice care.
Medicare Part B: The Medicare program that covers services (such as lab tests, surgeries, and doctor visits) and supplies (such as wheelchairs and walkers) that are medically necessary to treat a disease or condition. Medicare Part B also covers many preventive and screening services.Medical Assistance: This is the name of Minnesota’s Medicaid program. Medical Assistance is run by the state and is paid for by the state and the federal government. It helps people with limited incomes and resources pay for long-term services and supports and medical costs.
It covers extra services and some drugs not covered by Medicare. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, but most health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Making the Connection: Deb Harlow makes the difference for Dodge County communities

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Deb Harlow

Being the “connection” is literally in Deb Harlow’s job description. Deb Harlow has been a public health nurse for Dodge County for over 30 years, where she also works as the South Country Health Alliance community care connector or just “connector,” there.

A community care connector is a county employee from either public health or human services who works directly with health plan members of South Country in their county. The connector provides critical support to connect these residents with the care and resources they need. South Country is the county-owned health plan in Dodge and seven other rural Minnesota counties: Brown, Goodhue, Kanabec, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha and Waseca. South Country enrolls residents eligible for Minnesota Medical Assistance. Some people on Medical Assistance, which is the state’s health care plan for low-income residents, struggle to meet basic needs which can impact their overall health.

For Harlow, this role has always been part of the plan. “I have always been a caregiver - always planned on being a nurse from an early age - so it just gives my life purpose and meaning to help. Plus, I’ve met very wonderful people and families over the years,” she said.

Connectors in the different counties are part of the support offered to South Country members on a local level. They work to find local solutions to support residents. Harlow isn’t always able to solve every situation. “Being able to help or at least direct them to someone who can help them,” she said, “and to encourage them to ask questions,” is what she enjoys most about her work. By “providing a listening ear” she feels she’s making a difference for most clients. “I love being able to provide members with resources or at least let them know they have someone they can contact in the county when they have insurance questions or concerns,” she said. “It is great when they tell me they really appreciate the follow up after having a hospitalization.”

“It can get frustrating,” Harlow noted, “when people are upset, or don’t feel like they are getting what they want – or dealing with unrealistic, demanding people.” It’s why the listening aspect of her work is so important. “By listening to members, being kind and making them feel like their concerns are worthwhile,” she said, is how she builds trust with local residents.

“We are a very small rural community, but with many that access health care services through Rochester. There are also many people working outside our county and commuting.” Harlow is concerned and “not sure that members are aware of her role as connector and that the connector ‘exists,’” she said. “So, I feel that more promotion of the connector role will be very helpful.”

Last fall, Harlow received the South Country Diamond Award for her dedication to serving members and how her role exemplifies the company’s core values of collaboration, stewardship, communication, and excellence.

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