TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute a revised agreement to replace Contract No. 20-10011 with the State of California Department of Health Care Services for the continued participation in the County-Based Med-Cal Administrative Activities, to continue in full force and effect until terminated by either party, for an annual revenue not to exceed $500,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The County-Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (CMAA) is a federal program of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program is administered via the State of California Department of Health Care Services, which acts as a pass-through agency. Since 1994, the City of Long Beach (City) Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) has held an active CMAA contract with the State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).
The purpose of the CMAA is to ensure that Medi-Cal eligible individuals are enrolled and assisted in navigating the Medi-Cal system. The CMAA also works to ensure that programs and policies assist in removing barriers to Medi-Cal enrollment and Medi-Cal covered health care services. Administrative activities include: outreach, facilitating Medi-Cal applications, Medi-Cal referrals, coordinating Medi-Cal covered services, program planning, and policy development.
On April 14, 2020, the City Council approved CMAA Contract Agreement # 20-10011 for the period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023. On December 5, 2022, the DHCS notified Local Governmental Agencies (LGAs) of CMAA’s new Participation Agreement (Agreement). This Agreement changes the terms to an evergreen agreement, which means the contract will remain in place until terminated by either the City or the DHCS. The Agreement will replace the Health Department’s existing agreement # 20-10011. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Health Department will continue to be reimbursed for a portion of staff time and expenses to conduct outreach and engage eligible clients in the Med-Cal system.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on December 21, 2022 and by Budget Analyst Officer Greg Sorensen on December 30, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on January 17, 2023, to comply with State requirements and to continue the program without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will continue to receive reimbursement revenues in an annual amount not to exceed $500,000 for each grant year and continue in full force and effect until terminated by either party, to partially reimburse the costs for federally-eligible MAA. Expense appropriations were established through the annual budget process. This is a reimbursement-based program, whereby the Health Department will receive revenues for services provided as part of the normal course of public health business practice. The Health Department will utilize existing staff to perform these Med-Cal administrative activities during their daily duties. There is no match or in-kind requirement. Sufficient appropriations exist in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department to support this activity. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER