DATE: June 6, 2023
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Sanja Bugay, Director, Department of Social Services
SUBJECT: Amendment to Agreement with Total Care Medical Group
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with Total Care Medical Group to perform physical incapacity assessments for General Relief clients extending the term by twelve months from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 and increasing the maximum by $90,000 to a total of $465,000.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the recommended action will enable Social Services to extend physical incapacity assessments, including exams and related diagnostic tests, for recipients of General Relief assistance. These services are funded entirely with the County General Fund. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Should your Board elect not to approve the recommended action, the County will be out of compliance with General Relief regulations adopted by the Board. These regulations require a
physical incapacity assessment to determine client employability and eligibility for General Relief benefits.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Approval of the amendment will increase the maximum compensation for the Agreement by $90,000 to a total of $465,000, which will be funded with countywide revenues. Actual costs will be determined by the number of evaluation services provided, as compensation is a fee for service. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues will be included in the Department’s Org 6645 FY 2023-24 Recommended Budget.
DISCUSSION:
On April 23, 2019, your Board approved Agreement No. 19-187 with Total Care Medical Group to perform physical incapacity assessments which included exams and related diagnostic tests for General Relief clients.
General Relief (GR) is a County-funded program that provides cash or in-kind services to needy individuals and childless couples who are not eligible for assistance under any other categorical aid program. Qualified individuals must be unemployed, incapacitated, or awaiting the receipt of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
GR applicants applying for aid as incapacitated individuals are required to have a physical incapacity assessment to determine employability and eligibility for General Relief benefits. These assessments may be performed by the client’s own doctor, or by a medical provider approved by the County. The recommended amendment will extend the term of the agreement by one year to ensure that GR clients who are unable to see their doctor continue to receive evaluations for employment incapacity, in a timely manner. The required medical evaluations consist of physical examinations and related diagnostic tests, for the evaluation of the individual’s ability to be gainfully employed. For each Fiscal Year, it is estimated that Total Care Medical Group will receive 1,100 referrals for client appointments and provide 700 completed employment medical evaluations for GR clients, but the need may vary based on client demand.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #55, April 23, 2019
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Amendment I to Agreement with TCMG
CAO ANALYST:
Ronald Alexander