Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with the Alliance on Aging to provide Outreach, Ombudsman and Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers (MIPPA) services for seniors for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $536,475; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($53,648) of the contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $590,123.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign an agreement with the Alliance on Aging to provide Outreach, Ombudsman and Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers (MIPPA) services for seniors for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $536,475; and
b. Authorize the Director of the Department of Social Services or designee to sign up to three amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not exceed 10% ($53,648) of the contract amount, do not significantly change the scope of work, and do not exceed the maximum aggregate amount of $590,123.
SUMMARY:
This agreement supports Outreach, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) services to older adults residing in County of Monterey, covering all supervisorial districts. Service areas include all cities and communities located within the County of Monterey.
DISCUSSION:
This Agreement, awarded to the Alliance on Aging through RFP #10933 in May 2024, aligns with the Federal Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965 to provide
- Bilingual-bicultural outreach to inform and enroll older adults into available services.
- Ombudsman services designed to protect the elderly in skilled nursing facilities and licensed residential care facilities, by investigating complaints, facilitating resolutions, monitoring facilities, and providing training to program volunteers.
- Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) services offering extensive assistance to older adults in applying for and maintaining Medicare insurance.
- Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) services, including enhanced outreach to eligible Medicare beneficiaries regarding preventive, wellness, and limited-income benefits; application assistance for Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) beneficiaries or Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs); and outreach activities aimed at disease prevention and wellness promotion.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Agreements as to form, as has the Auditor-Controller’s Office as to financial provisions.
FINANCING:
Funding is provided by the Older Americans Act and Older Californians Act. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues in the Area Agency on Aging 001-5010-SOC010 are included in the FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This Agreement aligns with the Well-Being and Quality of Life Strategic Plan Goal adopted by the Board of Supervisors by supporting programs that enhance services promoting the health, independence, well-being, and quality of life of older adults, individuals with disabilities, and caregivers through coordinated efforts across Monterey County.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
_X _ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
____ Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
____ Administrative
Prepared by: Thom De La Cruz, Management Analyst III, x3391
Approved by: Roderick Franks, Director, x4430
Attachment: Original Agreement
The proposed agreement is on file with Clerk of the Board as an attachment to this Board Report.