TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents and any subsequent amendments, including amending the terms or changing the amount of the award, with the County of Los Angeles for the Community Health Outreach, Enrollment, Utilization, and Retention Services Contract, to accept and expend grant funding in the amount of $367,713 for services for low-to-moderate income families to obtain affordable medical insurance for the period of October 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, with the option to extend the agreement for an additional three-year term, at the discretion of the City Manager. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested to continue providing services to residents needing affordable medical insurance. Lack of health insurance is the most significant barrier impacting the community from accessing health care. Those without health insurance are less likely than those who are insured to see a physician for prevention-based care, including immunizations and other well-care services. The uninsured generally rely on emergency rooms for their regular source of care and forego needed medical care for acute and chronic health conditions such as ear infections, upper respiratory infections, and asthma.
Since 2003, the Health Department has received funding from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to assist the community with obtaining medical coverage and navigating a complex health care system. The Community Health Outreach, Enrollment, Utilization, and Retention (CHOEUR) Program keeps the community 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 client follow-up are 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. Annually, the Health Access and Medi-Cal Outreach (MCO) team provide enrollment assistance to approximately 1,500 individuals, outreach to 8,000 individuals, insurance renewal assistance to 700 individuals, and troubleshooting services to 3,000 individuals.
The CHOEUR program, along with other Health Department services, aims to increase access to care. This is aligned with the national implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the City of Long Beach’s (City) overall goal to keep Long Beach safe, healthy, and economically robust.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Taylor M. Anderson on November 2, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on November 9, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on December 6, 2022, to continue to provide these services without interruption.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive funding in the amount of $367,713 for the period of October 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Health Fund Group in the Health and Human Services Department, offset by grant revenue. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. Any indirect costs that might not ultimately be eligible for grant funds will be funded by the Health Operating Fund, General Fund, or other eligible grant funds. 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.
Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER