Title
Adopt a Resolution amending Article I.d. of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution effective July 1, 2019, to adjust certain fees related to the Health Department's Clinic Services Bureau pursuant to the attached Fee Schedule.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a Resolution amending Article I.d. of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution effective July 1, 2019, to adjust certain fees related to the Health Department's Clinic Services Bureau pursuant to the attached Fee Schedule.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The Health Department's Clinic Services Bureau (Clinic Services) operates Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike (FQHC-LA) clinics that are required, by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), to periodically review its fee schedule to ensure that it accurately reflects the costs of services provided and that fees are consistent with local prevailing rates or charges. In compliance with the requirements, Clinic Services has been reviewing and adjusting its fee schedules annually. Proposed fees for FY2019-20 increase an average of 8.13% from FY2018-19.
Additionally, Clinic Services is mandated by HRSA to offer Sliding Fee Discount Program (SFDP) for patients whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Effective 8/1/2018, Clinic Services increased SFDP fees to $0, $40, $70, $105 and $130, respectively for those who were eligible if a patient's income is at 100% or below, under 120%, under 133%, under 185% and at 200% or below of the FPL. Since the increase, data reflects average number of visits per year per patient decreased from 1.48 to 1.38 for patients with FPL between 101% and 200%. Although there might be many factors contributing to this trend, in order to keep services affordable and accessible, Clinic Services will not increase SFDP fees in FY 2019-2020 and keep the current patient responsibility amounts.
Calculations and documents in support of all ...
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