Heathcare in America is a major concern for most citizens, as well as a hot-topic political issue. Healthcare costs are astronomical and no one seems to know quite how to address the issue. I feel that people are entitled to basic medical care and some of the programs we have in place, such as Medicaid and Medicare, are good programs. They need more oversight and solvency and less administrative costs, but they serve a worthwhile function. It is only right that all citizens, including the elderly, war veterans and others with legitimate needs, have access to affordable health care.

The issue of medical care within the Bradley County jail is one that is often misunderstood. Some people have a misconception of inmates sponging off the taxpayer, enjoying “three squares” a day and receiving free medical care. This is not the case. Obviously, we are responsible for the health and care of prisoners while they are in our custody; but routine, basic inmate healthcare is not an exorbitant expense when compared to our overall operational budget. We have a legal and moral obligation to ensure that prisoners entrusted to our care receive food, clothing, shelter and basic medical care. There is always a possibility that an inmate could have, or receive, a serious diagnosis while serving their sentence, but that is rare. And if someone with serious medical concerns is ordered incarcerated by the courts for a length of time longer than one year, the state assumes responsibility for the costs of that outside medical care, not Bradley County.

In 2007, the inmate medical services contract here at the jail was awarded to DHCA, a Tennesseebased company with a proven track record in providing care at a reasonable price http://dhcaonline.com). Inmate medical needs are attended to on a 16-hour-per-day basis (with on-call responsibilities for the remaining eight hours) by DHCA’s professional medical staff. They consistently do a good job in that capacity.

The jail’s medical unit provides required medical examinations and dental procedures, and most all medical conditions or illnesses can be treated on-site here at the Justice Center. But the medical treatment inmates receive isn’t entirely free to them. They are charged for the medical care they receive during their incarceration that falls outside the scope of “routine care.” Sick calls are $10 each. Each doctor visit is $15. Dental service is $15.  Lab services are $25, and x-rays are $15. A trip to an off-site emergency room for local and state inmates via patrol vehicle is $25, while the same ER visit via ambulance is $50. Outside medical treatment for federal inmates is billed to the federal government directly by the hospital or medical provider. While inmates are liable for these expenses, we cannot deny medical care if there is no money in their inmate account. Unpaid fees and charges are debited as funds, if any, are received into their account.

Furthermore, expenses to treat a selfinflicted injury or injuries received through circumstances that are contrary to our rules of inmate conduct are the sole responsibility of the inmate if they have money to pay. This includes  treatments, ER visits, or trips to a physician's office. We help inmates all we can, but we will not willingly foot the bill for foolish, reckless or manipulative behavior that results in an injury.

As always, the BCSO does everything possible to control costs and still meet our statutory obligations. Every year since I became sheriff, we have returned budgeted money to the County, and saving taxpayer money is always a priority.