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Beware of Toll Payment Scams: Fake Toll Payment Texts Are Stealing Information
Issue #227
In this Marshall Area Insider issue…
☁️ Marshall, MN Weather - Cloudy with a high of 54
🗞️ Lyon County Health Providers Received $67 Million from Medicaid in 2023
🗞️ Beware of Toll Payment Scams: Fake Toll Payment Texts Are Stealing Information
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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!
Lyon County Health Providers Received $67 Million from Medicaid in 2023
More than a quarter of residents in southwest Minnesota rely on Medicaid for health insurance, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS).
Recent data highlights the program's significant impact, with Medicaid reimbursements surpassing $67 million for healthcare services in Lyon County alone in 2023.
DHS data shows that over 307,000 Medicaid claims were processed in Lyon County last year, averaging $221 per claim.
On a monthly basis, an estimated 7,468 Lyon County residents were enrolled in Medicaid, alongside 368 individuals participating in MinnesotaCare. Enrollment in Medicaid has grown steadily since 2019, when the county saw an average of 5,970 enrollees per month.
To provide greater transparency, DHS launched a new website featuring interactive dashboards that track Medicaid enrollment and funding across the state. The release of this data comes at a time of increasing concern over potential federal funding cuts.
Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota, is a joint state and federal program that provides health coverage for low-income families, children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities.
MinnesotaCare offers a similar low-cost option for those whose income exceeds Medicaid eligibility limits but lack access to affordable employer-sponsored insurance.
According to DHS, Medicaid and MinnesotaCare provide coverage for one in four Minnesotans, including more than 592,000 children and over 204,000 parents statewide. Although seniors and individuals with disabilities represent a smaller portion of enrollees, they account for approximately 60% of Minnesota’s Medicaid spending.
The DHS Medicaid dashboard breaks down funding data by county and region. In addition to Lyon County’s $67.8 million in Medicaid reimbursements, health care providers in surrounding counties received substantial funding in 2023, including:
$26.8 million in Yellow Medicine County
$27.9 million in Redwood County
$9.4 million in Lincoln County
$20.1 million in Pipestone County
$11.9 million in Murray County
Concerns over federal funding reductions have prompted Minnesota legislators to push back against potential cuts. State lawmakers have warned that significant reductions in Medicaid funding could impact 1.4 million residents while putting additional strain on the state budget and local governments.
Counties, which already contribute to various human services costs through property taxes, may face difficult choices if federal contributions decline—either raising local taxes or cutting essential services.
Beware of Toll Payment Scams: Fake Toll Payment Texts Are Stealing Information
Law enforcement agencies are alerting the public to a growing scam involving fraudulent text messages that falsely claim to be related to toll road payments.
These messages, designed to steal personal and financial information, have been reported in several communities.
Scammers are sending texts that appear to be official notices about unpaid tolls, often impersonating state transportation departments or E-Z Pass services.
The messages typically include urgent wording and a link, pressuring recipients to make a payment or verify their information.
Authorities advise residents to avoid clicking on any links or sharing personal details in response to these messages.
Those who believe they may have been targeted by the scam are encouraged to block the sender and report the incident to local law enforcement.
Legitimate toll agencies do not send unsolicited text messages requesting payment or personal information.
The public is urged to stay cautious and report any suspicious activity.
Upcoming Area Events
🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!
Wednesday, March 26th
First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM
Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Saturday, March 29th
Cottonwood Spring Vendor Show at the Lakeview High School in Cottonwood from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Easter Bunny mini photo sessions at the YMCA in Marshall brought to you by Keel Photography from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, March 29th and 30th
2025 Culligan Water Marshall Home Show at the Red Baron Arena and Expo Center in Marshall
Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday, March 30th
The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra presents Concerto da Camera at First Lutheran Church in Marshall at 5:00 PM
Wednesday, April 2nd (first Wednesday of every month)
Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall
Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available
For questions contact Jane Nelson Como (507) 829-1143
First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM
Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Friday - Sunday, April 4, 5 and 6th
Granite Area Arts Council classes: Drawing Workshop ($300)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
Friday, April 4th
KC/VFW Fish Fry at VFW Post 2980, 116 E Saxon St., Ivanhoe, MN from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Serving Beer Battered Cod, French Fries, Vegetable & Dinner Roll
Adults $13, Children (age 10 & under) $9
Saturday, April 5th
Habitat for Humanity’s Spring Market at Market Street Mall from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday, April 7th
Marshall Area Cancer Support Group Meetings at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall at 6:00 PM
For patients, survivors, and caregivers looking for support
Wednesday, April 9th
First Lutheran’s Lenten Worships: The People vs Judas Iscariot at First Lutheran (100 Church Street in Marshall) at 6:15 PM
Supper from 5:00 - 6:05 PM and stay for worship
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Saturday, April 12th
Eggstravaganza at Lakeview Schools in Cottonwood from 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Granite Area Arts Council classes: Adult Carving from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ($55)
For more information please go here: https://www.granitefallsarts.org/
Eggstravaganza at Boulder Estates in Marshall from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Fun games, face painting, snacks, get your photo taken with the Eater Bunny
Recommended for kis 8 and under
Wednesday, April 16th
Soup & sermon at Holy Redeemer Church in Marshall (each Wednesday during Lent)
Serving begins at 11:45 and sermon is at 12:05
Thursday, April 17th
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday, April 18th
Glo-Wild Egg Hunt at location TBD from 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 19th
Easter Egg Swim at the YMCA in Marshall at 9:30 AM
Sign up for just $5
Wood Lake Easter Egg Hunt at Freedom Park (weather permitting) starting at 10:00 AM for children 2-7
Bring your basket to collect eggs
Easter Egg & Bunny Scavenger Hunt at the Marshall Lyon County Museum from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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