With changes to Medicare Advantage plans being accepted at Greenwood County Hospital (GWCH) changing Jan. 1, 2026, Greenwood County resident Frank McCollum addressed the Greenwood County Commissioners on Monday, Oct. 27, during their short business meeting to share how the changes could affect the community.
McCollum noted that he has one of the three plans that will no longer be accepted at GWCH and doesn’t intend to change; but, noted that he was happy with his Advantage plan. He shared that other facilities take all insurances and this could take money out of Greenwood County. “We are going backwards in healthcare in Greenwood County,” he stated.
McCollum left before GWCH CEO Sandra Dickerson could address the topic. However, she went on to note that GWCH isn’t the only facility that wasn’t getting paid adequately for services provided through certain Medicare Advantage Plans. “You can’t provide care for services that aren’t being funded,” she said. “I would have to come here and ask for money (from the county),” she continued. Dickerson went on to note that she understands people aren’t happy with the change, but GWCH is attempting to do the most good for the most people, all while ensuring the hospital remains open. GWCH and all affiliated offices (Eureka Clinic, Howard Clinic, and Home Health) will no longer be in-network providers with the following Medicare Advantage plans: Humana; Aetna Medicare Advantage; and Wellcare by AllWell, as of Jan. 1, 2026. Open enrollment is now open and will remain open until Dec. 7.
Greenwood County Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood gave a short report.
County Counselor Paul Dean shared that the Greenwood County Tax Sale will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. at Memorial Hall, in Eureka. Additional details can be found elsewhere in this week’s edition.
The commission held a 10-minute executive session for legal matters, to discuss the county line road dispute and hedgerow encroachment, with County Counselor Dean and Road and Bridge Supervisor Greenwood. No action was taken.
The Commission approved special payables for Oct. 27, totaling $56,757.58; regular payables for Oct. 31, totaling $156,084.80; regular payroll for Oct. 30, totaling $153,948.67; and the Oct. 20 meeting minutes as presented.
They also reviewed the treasurer’s report.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m.
Greenwood County Commissioners will hold their next meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, at 9 a.m., with Theel Insurance (health insurance) providing a presentation to begin the meeting. The Mann Road viewing will be held on Monday, Nov. 3, at 11:30 a.m.
