TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents to accept grant funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in the amount of $75,056 to expand Medi-Cal outreach and enrollment activities under the Children's Health Outreach, Enrollment, Utilization and Retention contract (#PH002508-01) for the period of July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2016. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's (County) Children's Health Outreach Initiatives (CHOI) unit has awarded the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) an augmentation to contract PH002508 for the Children's Health Outreach, Enrollment, Utilization and Retention (CHOEUR) Program in the amount of $75,056 over a two-year period of July 1, 2014 thru June 30, 2016. These funds are to be used to increase the Health Department's outreach, enrollment, and retention efforts, specifically for Medi-Cal eligible target populations, such as persons with mental health disorders, persons with substance use disorders, persons who are homeless, young men of color, families of mixed-immigration status, and persons with limited English proficiency.
Lack of health insurance is the most significant barrier impacting a person's access to health care. People without health insurance are less likely than those who are insured to see a physician for prevention-based care, including physicals, immunizations, and other care services. Uninsured persons tend to rely on emergency rooms for their regular source of care, and to go without needed medical care for acute and chronic health conditions, such as ear infections, throat infections, diabetes, obesity, and asthma.
Since 2003, the Health Department has received funding from the County to assist children (ages 0-5) and their families to get medical coverage. The CHOEUR Program keeps kids healthy by ensuring access to health care coverage through community outreach, assistance with enrollment, utilization of services, and retention of health insurance benefits. Intensive case management and follow-up is conducted to ensure full use of medical and preventive care benefits for children and families that qualify for low or no-cost health insurance programs. The goal of increasing access to care is aligned with the national implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the City's overall goal to keep Long Beach safe, healthy, and economically robust.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy Webber on July 8, 2014 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on July 18, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on August 12, 2014, as the augmentation start date was July 1, 2014.
FISCAL IMPACT
The amount of the augmentation totals $75,056 for the period of July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2016. Sufficient funding for the two-year period is currently appropriated in the Health Fund (SR 130), in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE). No match or in-kind service mandate is required, and there is no local job impact associated with this action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER