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 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 waiving the request for proposals process and authorizing an amendment to the agreement with Benefit Service Center to provide dental and vision benefits to independent providers of the In-Home Supportive Services program, extending the term through December 31, 2022, and increasing the maximum amount payable by $350,000 to a total amount not to exceed $2,875,000.
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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 including bathing, eating, preparing meals, and performing certain paramedical services authorized by a physician.
The Service Employees International Union represents the IHSS independent providers in negotiations regarding issues such as wages and health, dental and vision benefits. In January 2021 the Board adopted the current MOU, pursuant to which the PA administers benefits, including health benefits, for IHSS providers.
In 2015, the Board approved an agreement with Benefit Service Center to provide dental and vision benefits to IHSS providers for the term July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, in an amount not to exceed $600,000. In August 2016, the Board authorized an amendment extending the term through December 31, 2017 and increasing the maximum amount payable to $1,500,000. Three additional annual amendments extended the term through December 31, 2021 and increased the maximum amount payable to an amount not to exceed $2,525,000.
DISCUSSION:
This amendment would extend the term of the agreement through December 31, 2022 and add an additional $350,000, increasing the maximum amount payable to $2,875,000. The current IHSS monthly per-member premiums are $5.85 for vision coverage and $13.17 for dental coverage. This amendment does not increase the premiums. The total estimated cost of vision and dental benefit premiums for the 1,375 IHSS providers who receive medical insurance coverage through HealthWorx and for COBRA participants for the 2022 calendar year is $313,830.
A waiver to the Request for Proposals process is requested to ensure continuous and uninterrupted dental and vision insurance benefits for IHSS and COBRA participants.
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.
It is anticipated that 100% of eligible IHSS providers who apply for dental and vision benefits will be enrolled.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
FY 2021-22 Estimated |
FY 2022-23 Projected |
|
Percentage of eligible IHSS providers enrolled for dental and vision benefits |
100% 1,375 IHSS providers |
100% 1,375 IHSS providers |
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for these services were included in the Aging and Adult Services FY 2021-22 Adopted Budget. There is no Net County Cost associated with this amendment.