Watertown Medical Provider Urges Codington County to Protect Patient Choice in Sanford True Health Plan

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Codington County Commissioners heard public comment Tuesday from Paul Johnson, owner of Midwest Medical, who urged the county to consider the impact of insurance network restrictions as it evaluates future employee healthcare options — specifically the proposed Sanford True plan.

Johnson said his primary concern is ensuring county employees retain the ability to choose their medical equipment provider.

“My main purpose is to just advocate for patient choice,” Johnson said. “Monopoly might be too strong of a word, but the question is: Do we want to limit patient choice?”

Johnson emphasized he was not there to criticize Sanford or Prairie Lakes, noting his own family has received excellent care from both systems.

“I’m not here to be divisive or put one hospital system against the other,” he said. “I don’t mind competition — in fact, I think it pushes us to be better — but I do want to be one of the competitors.”

Sanford True Plan Would Exclude Midwest Medical

Johnson said the Sanford True network does not allow Midwest Medical to participate as an in‑network provider for home medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, and CPAP machines.

“We cannot be chosen,” Johnson said. “We’re not in network. They will not let us in.”

He noted that the nearest Sanford Home Medical location is currently in Brookings, though he has heard — unofficially — that Sanford may open a Watertown location in 2027.

“Again, I’m fine with the competition,” Johnson said. “But anyone choosing home medical would have to go to Brookings as of today.”

Questions About Specialty Access Under True Plan

Johnson also asked whether the True plan would allow patients to access specialty care outside the Sanford system.

“Can patients go to Mayo or other specialties?” he asked. “I’ve had a wife and a son work with specialties at both Avera and Sanford, and myself with Prairie Lakes — and we received excellent care from both.”

He acknowledged the county’s challenge in balancing cost and access, noting the 23% rate increase tied to the standard Sanford Signature plan.

“I want to acknowledge that,” Johnson said. “A 23% rate increase is no picnic.”

Commissioners Thank Johnson for Input

Commission Chair Troy VanDusen thanked Johnson for bringing the information forward.

“Thank you very much. It was good information,” VanDusen said. “Paul had contacted me two weeks ago and asked to come in and talk about that… Thank you for coming in this morning.”

No additional public comments were offered.

Commissioner Updates: CPC Convention and Legislative Issues

During commissioner comments, Commissioner Lee Gabel reported attending the County Commissioners Association (CPC) convention.

“It’s always good — a lot of good insight and some good legislative things,” Gabel said.

He noted discussions about clarifying responsibilities between cities and counties in shared jurisdiction areas, particularly regarding roads.

Commissioner Myron Johnson asked whether the conference addressed court‑appointed attorney fees.

Gabel said the issue remains a standing policy concern.

“A little bit,” Gabel said. “We want help with indigent legal defense. That’s a constant policy position.”

No further comments were offered.