TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute the Sixth Amendment to Contract Agreement No. H-300266 and any subsequent amendments or necessary documents, between Los Angeles County and the City of Long Beach to accept funding in the amount of $160,467 for the term of July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013, to provide Community Outreach, Enrollment, Utilization and Retention (COEUR) services for the benefit of low to moderate income families to gain affordable medical insurance. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Since 2003, the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services has received funding from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to help children, ages 0-5, get medical coverage. The goal of keeping kids healthy and ensuring every child has access to health care coverage is accomplished through community outreach, assistance with enrollment, utilization of services, and retention of health insurance benefits. Uninsured children and their families are matched to a low-cost health care program such as Healthy Kids, Medi-Cal, Healthy Families or other health care program in Long Beach. This program is funded with monies from the First 5 LA Healthy Kids Program, Los Angeles County Children Health Outreach Initiative - Proposition 10 Commission. The proposed amendment to this agreement (#6) will extend the program with level funding through June 30, 2013.
The funds are used for improving access to health resources; increasing the number of eligible children enrolled in low- or no-cost health insurance programs; increasing the use of preventive care services; and the continuance, provision and coordination of Medi-Cal Outreach Program activities. Activities include outreach and education for parents, providers, and stakeholders, alike, with a focused goal to provide enrollment assistance to at least 800 into a qualifying health insurance program. In addition, follow-up is conducted with each of the enrolled families to ensure successful enrollment and utilization of benefits, and to provide ongoing assistance to maintain health insurance coverage.
Since the inception of the grant in July 2003, over 68,234 community members and stakeholders have been educated on the available health programs, 9,864 children and adults were provided direct enrollment assistance, and 7,263 individuals were assisted with troubleshooting an existing case. Continuance of the program will provide the community the knowledge and know-how of the current programs available, as well what is coming in the near further with the recent passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on July 2, 2012 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on July 9, 2012.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on July 24, 2012 in order to continue services and funding without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant revenues of $160,467 to offset expenditures of the same amount. Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Health Fund (SR 130) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HE). There is no City match of funds required, no impact to the General Fund and no net impact to jobs associated with this action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD ARIAS
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER