Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign funding agreement MI-1517-32 for $14,140 from the California Department of Aging (CDA) for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program for the period September 30, 2015 through September 29, 2017; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement, where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($1,410) of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign funding agreement MI-1517-32 for $14,140 from the California Department of Aging (CDA) for the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program for the period September 30, 2015 through September 29, 2017; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services to sign up to three (3) amendments to this agreement, where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($1,410) of the original contract amount, and do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 was passed into law on February 15, 2008. MIPAA provides for a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, which helps older adults and individuals with disabilities make informed decisions about their medical insurance services and applicable options. Since that time, funding for this specialized program has been sporadic and typically covers partial-year, seasonal services.
The Director of the Department of Social Services previously received signing authority from the Board of Supervisors for several state agreements, including a funding agreement with the California Department of Aging (CDA) for MIPPA for September 30, 2015 through September 30, 2016. However, when the Department of Social Services received the final agreement from CDA, the term had been extended to September 29, 2017 to cover the newly-approved time frame for federal funding. This authorization will resolve the discrepancy in the dates.
Services will be provided through a subcontract with a local non-profit agency through the current fiscal year and subject to renewal following County guidelines.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
This agreement has been reviewed by the Purchasing Department. County Counsel has approved the agreement as to form.
FINANCING:
Funding is provided by the Older Americans Act. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues in SOC010 are included in the FY 2015-16 Adopted Budget. Approval of this action has no impact on the County General Fund.
Prepared by: Kathleen Murray-Phillips, MA III, x3530
Approved by: Elliott Robinson, Director Department of Social Services, x4430
Attachments: MIPPA Agreement
Agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report