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 San Mateo County Public Authority, adopt a resolution authorizing an 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, extending the term to December 31, 2021, and increasing the amount by $350,000 for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,525,000.
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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 the 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, eating, preparing meals, and performing certain paramedical services authorized by a physician.
In 2000, 2013, 2015, and 2018, the Board adopted Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Service Employees International Union, Local 521, under which the PA administers salaries and benefits, including health benefits, for IHSS providers.
In 2015, the Board approved an agreement with Benefit Service Center (BSC) to provide dental and vision benefits to the IHSS providers for the term July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, in the amount not to exceed $600,000. In August 2016, the Board authorized an amendment adding $900,000 to the agreement and extending the term through December 31, 2017. The contract was subsequently further amended to extend the term through December 31, 2018. In December 2018, the Board authorized a further amendment adding $675,000 to the agreement for a total amount of $2,175,000 and extending the term through December 31, 2020.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment would extend the term of the agreement through December 31, 2021 and add an additional $350,000 to the maximum amount authorized to be expended under the agreement, to fund dental and vision insurance coverage through the end of the extended term. The current IHSS monthly premium is $5.85 per member for vision and $13.17 per member for dental coverage. This amendment does not increase the premiums.
The 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.
The County’s Contract Compliance Committee has approved a waiver request for a six-year and 6 months term for this agreement.
It is anticipated that 100% of eligible IHSS providers who apply for dental and vision benefits will be enrolled.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2020-21 Estimated |
FY 2021-22 Projected |
|
Percent of eligible IHSS providers enrolled for dental and vision benefits |
100% 1,375 providers |
100% 1,375 providers |
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for these services were included in the Aging and Adult Services FY 2020-21 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost impact related to adopting this amendment and resolution.