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MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) The county commission at Mitchell denied a $249,000 indigent health care claim because it said the patient had the means to pay for health insurance but chose not to purchase it.

The bill was the largest indigent claim ever filed with the county and covers chemotherapy and other services given to a Davison County resident at a hospital.

Commissioners unanimously denied the payment, claiming that the applicant was "indigent by design." Information from: The Daily Republic, http://www.mitchellrepublic.com (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-20-09 1412CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list