CAT Board Elects Officers

Earlier this month, the Catastrophic Health Care Cost (CAT) Program Board held its organizational meeting during IAC’s Midwinter Legislative Conference. The following board members were elected as officers:

• Chair: Roger Christensen, Bonneville County Commissioner
• Vice Chair: Greg Johnson, Lewis County Commissioner
• Secretary: Bill Lasley, Power County Commissioner

The CAT Board welcomed several new members this year. Joining the board are:

• Dan McDonald, Bonner County Commissioner (Midterm 1 year)
• Rick Visser, Ada County Commissioner (Midterm 1 year)
• Kent McClellan, Minidok County Commissioner
• Representative Steve Harris, District 21
• Representative Mat Erpelding, District 19

The CAT Program is a program developed by IAC in 1984. Its purpose was to enable counties to pool their money for catastrophic medical indigent claims above $11,000. Beginning in 1994, the state assumed the financial responsibility for this program by paying for claims in excess of $11,000. Beginning in March 2010, IAC was contracted to perform administrative duties for the CAT Program. The CAT Board meets every 6-8 weeks or as needed to manage cases. Board members terms are for two years.