Shasta County supervisors on March 10 approved a new jail medical services contract with MediCo, Inc. after extended discussion about cost, staffing and treatment changes.
At the meeting, county staff said the contract would raise annual jail medical spending from a current budgeted $5.5 million to about $8.3 million per year on average, or more than $25 million over the life of the deal, according to the board meeting video and transcript posted by the county. The discussion also included references to a current contractor, WELLPATH, and to staff’s view that the new agreement would expand medical coverage and strengthen jail health services.
Supervisor Plummer said the higher-cost contract was part of a broader effort to improve jail health care and reduce liability. In the meeting, he tied the contract to other county initiatives, including early release, alternative custody and a future campus model for corrections. Supervisors approved the contract after the discussion.
The board meeting was held during a broader agenda that also included employee recognition, a K-9 retirement resolution and a county update from CEO Dave Rickert. Those items were separate from the jail medical vote.