Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Louise F. Rogers, Chief, San Mateo County Health
Lisa Mancini, Director, Aging and Adult Services
Subject: Amendment to the Agreement with Benefit Service Center to Provide Dental and Vision Benefits for the Independent Providers of the In-Home Supportive Services Program
RECOMMENDATION:
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Acting as the Governing Board of the Public Authority, adopt a resolution waiving the request for proposal process and authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Benefit Service Center to provide dental and vision benefits for the independent providers of In-Home Supportive Services, extending the term from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2020, and increasing the amount by $675,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,175,000.
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BACKGROUND:
In 1993, the Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance establishing the Public Authority (PA) as the legal entity to administer the provider component of the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. The ordinance also designated San Mateo County Board of Supervisors as the PA’s Governing Board (Board). The mission of IHSS is to help eligible elderly, blind, and disabled individuals remain in their homes for as long as safely possible. The program uses independent providers to assist County residents with a wide variety of daily living activities such as: bathing, feeding, preparing meals, and performing certain paramedical services authorized by a physician.
In 2000, 2013, 2015, and 2018, the Board adopted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Service Employees International Union, Local 521 (SEIU521), under which the PA administers salaries and benefits, including health benefits, for IHSS providers.
In 2015, your Board approved an agreement with Benefit Service Center (BSC) to provide dental and vision benefits to the IHSS independent providers for the term July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, in the amount of $600,000.
In August 2016, the Board authorized an amendment adding $900,000 to the agreement and extending the term through December 31, 2017. This contract was subsequently amended to extend the term through December 31, 2018.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment to the agreement adds $675,000 which allows the PA to continue providing dental and vision insurance coverage to independent IHSS providers through BSC until December 31, 2020. There are no changes to the premium rate in this amendment. The current IHSS monthly premium is $5.85 per member for vision, and $13.17 per member for dental insurance.
A waiver to the request for proposal process is requested to ensure continuous and uninterrupted health insurance benefits for IHSS and COBRA participants.
This resolution contains the County’s standard provision allowing amendment of the fiscal obligations under the agreement by a maximum of $25,000 (in aggregate).
The agreement and resolution have been reviewed and approved by County Counsel as to form.
This amendment contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Healthy Community by allowing IHSS providers to stay healthy and continue their employment as caregivers to at-risk individuals. It is anticipated that 100% of eligible IHSS home care providers who apply for dental and vision benefits will be enrolled.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2017-18 Actual |
FY 2018-19 Projected |
|
Percent of eligible IHSS home care providers enrolled for dental and vision benefits |
100% 1,389 providers |
100% 1,389 providers |
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for these services were included in the FY2018-19 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost impact by adopting this amendment and resolution.