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Accept a one-time grant for up to $308,265 from Partnership HealthPlan of California to support implementation and execution of virtual video visits in Family Health Services from December 31, 2020 through March 31, 2021; Approve the related Appropriation Transfer Request to recognize the unanticipated grant revenue (4/5 vote required); and Authorize the County Administrator to execute the grant agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Department of Health and Social Services (H&SS) recommends that the Board of Supervisors accept a one-time grant for up to $308,265 from Partnership HealthPlan of California to support implementation and execution of virtual video visits in Family Health Services from December 31, 2020 through March 31, 2021, approve the related Appropriation Transfer Request to recognize the unanticipated grant revenue (4/5 vote required), and authorize the County Administrator to execute the grant agreement with Partnership HealthPlan of California.
SUMMARY:
Solano County Health and Social Services, Family Health Services (FHS) applied for the Primary Care Provider (PCP) Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) Virtual Video Care Grant to receive up to $308,265 from Partnership HealthPlan of California (PHC) to implement and execute video telehealth services. This grant is expected to increase the number of video healthcare appointments provided by FHS, which will allow for more comprehensive patient care. Video healthcare visits also provide an opportunity to increase patient visits, particularly for patients who choose to minimize public contact or who have transportation or other constraints that limit their ability to visit their provider in person.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The receipt of the one-time grant incentive payment is contingent upon achieving certain milestones which require at least twenty percent (20%) of virtual care visits are done by video over a consecutive 90-day period. The measurement period can start any time after April 1, 2020. Increases in video visitation may also increase total clinic visits, helping to maximize funding for patients assigned to FHS.
The one-time grant incentive payment reduces the use of 1991 Public Health Realignment in FHS while maintaining the overall FY2020/21 Adopted Budget at the same level with no impact on County General Fund.
The cost associated with preparing the agenda item is nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2020/21 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION:
PHC is a non-profit, community-based healthcare organization that contracts with the State to administer Medi-Cal benefits through local care providers, including H&SS FHS, to ensure Medi-Cal recipients have access to high-quality, comprehensive, cost-effective healthcare.
The PCP QIP Virtual Video Care Grant supports PHC’s goal to promote video care visits, and it will build upon existing services in the FHS clinics while providing patients another option to receive care.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to accept these grant funds. This alternative is not recommended as the grant provides funding for implementation and execution of crucial video telehealth services. Limiting access to telehealth services can result in poor health outcomes and patients seeking emergency services for illness that could have been prevented with a primary care visit.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel approved the grant agreement as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION