Title
a. Receive an update on Monterey County’s, Esperanza Care program
b. Provide direction to staff regarding program enrollment and scope.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update on Monterey County’s, Esperanza Care program and
b. Provide direction to staff regarding program enrollment and scope.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted to provide Medicaid (Medi-Cal) and other coverage options through the exchange to many low-income individuals with the goal of decreasing the number of uninsured individuals. However, many Monterey County residents remain uninsured and unable to pay for costly medical care, procedures and prescription medications. Of those uninsured, it is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 to 50,000 residents without any medical insurance living in Monterey County due to their documentation status.
In response to this need, the Board of Supervisors approved an allocation of $500,000 of General Fund dollars establishing the County’s Pilot Project for the Remaining Uninsured to provide limited scope pharmaceuticals, laboratory tests and radiology services as presented by staff in collaboration with COPA (Communities Organized for Relational Power and Action). The Pilot Project was in effect from November 2015 through September 2017 and served over 2,000 individuals.
In FY 2018 the program was expanded to serve 3500 individuals. Natividad has provided continued funding up to $2 million dollars annually. Program scope now includes outpatient primary care, outpatient specialty care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services. All clinical services are provided by the Monterey County Health Department Clinic Services and Natividad.
Pacific Health Alliance serves as the program administrator.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Natividad and the Health Department prepared this report.
FINANCING:
Project funding in the amount of $2.0 million is included in NMC’s operational revenues residing in fund 451 for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
__Economic Development
__Administration
_x_Health & Human Services
This project helps to serve the uninsured adult population of Monterey County by offering equitable opportunities for healthcare which will improve the health and quality of life for this demographic.
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared and Approved by:
Gary R. Gray, Chief Executive Officer, NMC
Attachments:
Esperanza PowerPoint on file with the Clerk of the Board