Subject:
Title
Agreement with Community Health Centers of Pinellas, Inc. to support proposal for expansion of local services.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution of the agreement with Community Health Centers of Pinellas, Inc. (CHC) to participate in Pinellas Opioid Task Force activities, expand healthcare services in the Lealman community, and expand dental services in Clearwater and south St. Petersburg.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.1 Maximize partner relationships and public outreach
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Summary:
This agreement provides funding in the form of Intergovernmental Transfers (IGT) for participation in the State Low Income Pool (LIP) for CHC’s proposal to expand healthcare services in three (3) primary categories: 1) CHC will actively participate in Pinellas County Opioid Task Force activities aimed at reducing the number of opioid based deaths and injuries in the County. Additionally, CHC will expand its efforts in substance abuse prevention and treatment. The multi-directional approach will include distributing naloxone kits, conducting annual training for all of its providers, and providing ongoing education related to opioid deaths and abuse prevention. CHC will utilize their Obstetrics Program and work with partners to assist Substance Exposed Newborns. 2) CHC will assist with addressing the need for quality and equitable health care services for residents of the Lealman community by expanding access to high-quality health services. 3) CHC will improve access to dental care for residents of Clearwater and south St. Petersburg.
As a result of the County’s participation and support of $476,072.00 in IGT on CHC’s behalf, an estimated $1,240,416.00 will be available to CHC through LIP to aid in providing expanded services within the community.
Background Information:
Pinellas County continues to seek opportunities to assist local hospital and healthcare partners in maximizing revenues while serving our most needy citizens. This funding, entitled Medicaid Low Income Pool, allows local governments to increase certain Medicaid hospital and other healthcare provider payments by providing the required State Medicaid Assistance Percentage (SMAP) through Intergovernmental Transfers (IGTs). The source of SMAP must be locally generated tax dollars.
CHC is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides affordable, high-quality primary health care services to the residents of Pinellas County. In 2016, CHC served nearly 50,000 residents. Additionally, 96% of these patients were at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
CHC has provided a proposal of expanded services they anticipate providing for the community and has requested IGT support from Pinellas County.
Funding for this agreement was approved by the Board of County Commissioners as part of the FY18 decision packages.
Fiscal Impact:
Funding in the amount of $476,072.00 has been identified in the Human Services’ anticipated General Fund appropriation for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18).
Parties agree payment will be made to the State of Florida on behalf of CHC pursuant to the LIP Letters of Agreement or subsequently designated state low-income healthcare pool. This will result in enhanced program funding in the anticipated amount of $764,344.00.
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Community Health Centers of Pinellas
Pinellas Opioid Task Force
Attachments:
Funding Agreement
Attachment 1 - Expansion of Health Services Proposal