To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Administration
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Master Services Agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California Regarding the Provision of Housing-Related Community Support Services to eligible Medi-Cal Recipients within Humboldt County
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Waive the requirements of the Humboldt County Nuclear-Free Ordinance with regard to the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California; and
2. Approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California regarding the provision of housing-related community support services to eligible Medi-Cal recipients within Humboldt County; and
3. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to, and any other agreements, certifications, attestations and documents directly associated with, the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office; and
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board to return one fully executed original copy of the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California to the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit for further processing.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Housing for All
Strategic Plan Category: 4001 - Provide housing and sheltering solutions for people experiencing homelessness
DISCUSSION:
The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) program is a comprehensive, multi-year initiative launched by the California Department of Health Care Services in January 2022 that is designed to transform Medi-Cal into a more integrated, person-centered and equitable health system. One key aspect of CalAIM is the introduction of community support services, which are cost-effective alternatives to traditional medical services that address social determinants of health within local Medi-Cal managed care plans throughout California. Partnership HealthPlan of California is the local Medi-Cal managed care plan in Humboldt County.
As an agency committed to enhancing the health and well-being of the community, the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) seeks to participate in this innovative program to deliver community support services to eligible Medi-Cal recipients within Humboldt County. Such services are believed to significantly benefit patients by addressing their unique social and medical needs, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
DHHS, by and through its Housing, Outreach and Mobile Engagement Division, is well-suited to deliver housing-related community supports services designed to support individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness within Humboldt County. The attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California will allow DHHS to become a community supports provider, and seek reimbursement for the provision of the following community support services through the Medi-Cal Program:
(1) housing transition navigation services that are designed to help eligible Medi-Cal recipients find, apply for and secure housing;
(2) housing assistance services that are designed to help eligible Medi-Cal recipients pay housing security deposits, utility set-up fees, first and last month’s rent and first month of utilities; and
(3) housing tenancy and sustainability services that are designed to help eligible Medi-Cal recipients maintain safe and stable tenancy once housing is secured, such as coordination with landlords to address issues, assistance with the annual housing recertification process and linkage to community resources to prevent eviction.
Although the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California will allow DHHS to seek reimbursement for the provision of the above-referenced community support services through the Medi-Cal program, DHHS recognizes that Medi-Cal billing can take time to implement. Therefore, DHHS has applied for, and was subsequently awarded, funding through the California Department of Health Care Services’ Capacity and Infrastructure Transition, Expansion and Development program to help build the infrastructure needed to provide community support services to eligible Medi-Cal recipients within Humboldt County. A separate agreement regarding the acceptance of funding made available through the Capacity and Infrastructure Transition, Expansion and Development program will be brought before the Board at a later date.
Accordingly, DHHS recommends that the Board approve, and authorize the Chair of the Board to execute, the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California regarding the provision of housing-related community support services to eligible Medi-Cal recipients within Humboldt County. Staff also recommends that the Board authorize the DHHS Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to, and any other agreements, certifications, attestations and documents directly associated with, the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office in order to avoid any unnecessary delays provision of needed housing-related community support services within Humboldt County.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Social Services Fund (1160-520)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
|
Expenditures (1160-520) |
FY24-25 |
FY25-26 Projected* |
FY26-27Projected* |
|
Budgeted Expenses |
$93,184.00 |
$195,686.00 |
$821,822.00 |
|
Total Expenditures |
$93,184.00 |
$195,686.00 |
$821,822.00 |
|
Funding Sources (1160-520) |
FY24-25 |
FY25-26 Projected* |
FY26-27Projected* |
|
State/Federal Funds |
$93,184.00 |
$195,686.00 |
$821,822.00 |
|
Total Funding Sources |
$93,184.00 |
$195,686.00 |
$821,822.00 |
*Projected amounts are estimates and are subject to change.
Approval of the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California is crucial for the financial sustainability of DHHS’ provision of housing-related community support services to eligible Medi-Cal recipients within Humboldt County. The transition to Medi-Cal billing will enable DHHS to leverage state resources and reduce reliance on grant funding, ensuring long-term viability for these critical services. The Capacity and Infrastructure Transition, Expansion and Development program funding received by DHHS will cover the initial infrastructure costs, thus minimizing the immediate financial burden on the County of Humboldt.
This shift to Medi-Cal billing aligns with the broader objectives of CalAIM to provide cost-effective and sustainable healthcare solutions. The financial stability achieved through the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California will allow DHHS to continue, and potentially expand, the provision of community support services, thereby enhancing the overall health and well-being of the community in Humboldt County.
The budget projection chart above for fiscal year 2024-2025 reflects anticipated expenditures for 2.0 full-time equivalent Community Health Outreach Workers (CHOW) for 6 months, with subsequent years reflecting growth as additional CHOWs are trained to offer community support services. The salaries and benefits for CHOWs were included in the approved fiscal year 2024-2025 budget for DHHS - Social Services budget unit 1160-520.
STAFFING IMPACT:
Approval of the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached master services agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California regarding the provision of housing-related community support services to eligible Medi-Cal recipients within Humboldt County. However, this alternative is not recommended as it would severely limit DHHS ability to provide needed housing-related community support services within Humboldt County
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Master Services Agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California Regarding the Provision of Housing-Related Community Support Services to eligible Medi-Cal recipients within Humboldt County
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None
File No.: None