Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a funding agreement and related amendments to the agreement with the California Department of Aging, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program to provide enhanced outreach and enrollment assistance to eligible Medicare beneficiaries for the period of September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024, in the amount of $48,927 or such amounts as State makes available during the term.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director or Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services to sign a funding agreement and related amendments to the agreement with the California Department of Aging, Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program to provide enhanced outreach and enrollment assistance to eligible Medicare beneficiaries for the period of September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024, in the amount of $48,927 or such amounts as State makes available during the term.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 was passed into law on February 15, 2008. Since then, this specialized program funding has been sporadic and typically covers a partial year. The California Department of Aging (CDA) has allocated $48,927 for the Area Agency on Aging in Monterey County. Specific services offered through MIPPA include extensive outreach efforts to low-income Medicare beneficiaries who live in isolation. The purpose of this program is to improve beneficiary access to preventive and mental health services, enhance low-income benefit programs, and maintain access to care in rural areas, including pharmacy access. Services will continue to be provided through a subcontract with Alliance on Aging, a local non-profit agency that specializes in providing MIPPA activities.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreements as to form.
FINANCING:
This Funding agreement allocates $48,927 to the Department of Social Services, Area Agency on Aging in providing enhanced outreach and enrollment assistance to eligible Medicare beneficiaries. The term of the agreement goes through August 31, 2024. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues of $48,927 in the Area Agency on Aging 001-5010-SOC010 are included in the FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
This Agreement correlates to the Health & Human Services Strategic Initiative adopted by the Board of Supervisors by working towards the goals of improving health and quality of life outcomes by access to resources and individualized assistance to residents of Monterey County.
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
Economic Development
Administration
X Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety
Prepared by: Marleen Bush, Management Analyst III x3342
Approved by: Lori A. Medina, Director x4430
Attachment: Agreement
Proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.