REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
August 8, 2023
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Amendment to Agreement with the California Department of Health Care Services for the Intergovernmental Transfer Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District:
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 22-997 with the California Department of Health Care Services, updating contribution increments as reflected in Exhibit 1, allowing transfer of funds required to obtain federal matching funds for eligible costs of providing emergency medical ground transport for Medi-Cal managed care patients enrolled with Molina Healthcare of California Partner Plan, Inc. and the Inland Empire Health Plan during the state-established claim period of January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, with a contract term effective January 1, 2021, through June 30, 2024.
2. Direct the Secretary of the Board of Directors to maintain confidentiality of the amendment and agreement identified in Recommendation No. 1 pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 1457(c)(1).
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Ensure Development of a Well-Planned, Balanced, and Sustainable County.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this amendment will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The recommended Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 22-997(Agreement) with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) will allow San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) to continue to receive federal matching funds under the Intergovernmental Transfer (IGT) Program. SBCFPD anticipates a net revenue of $1.3 million from this program for 2023-24 to help fund the costs of providing emergency medical ground transport services. Sufficient appropriation and revenue for the IGT Program are included in SBCFPD’s 2023-24 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Since 2015-16, SBCFPD has contracted with DHCS for participation in the IGT Program as a means to receive federal matching funds for eligible Medi-Cal expenses. In accordance with the IGT Program, SBCFPD transfers funds to DHCS, which in turn uses these funds to increase the amount of Medi-Cal payments (within federal allowed levels) received by SBCFPD for the cost of providing emergency medical ground transport services.
Molina Healthcare of California Partner Plan, Inc. (Molina) and Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) are Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan Providers (MMCPP) offering services to residents eligible for Medi-Cal benefits. IEHP and Molina contract with SBCFPD for emergency medical ground transport services to Medi-Cal managed care patients enrolled with IEHP and Molina. The IGT Program authorizes SBCFPD to receive federal matching funds to support the costs of providing emergency medical ground transport services for Medi-Cal managed care beneficiaries.
On October 25, 2022 (Item No. 96), the Board of Directors (Board) approved the Agreement with DHCS for SBCFPD’s continued participation in the IGT Program for the state-established claim period of January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021. The Agreement is retroactive due to a postponement of the IGT Program while DHCS revised the capitation rates. The IGT Program was later reestablished and on September 12, 2022, DHCS resubmitted the Agreement to SBCFPD for signatures.
On June 19, 2023, SBCFPD received notice from DHCS that the contribution increments as reflected in Exhibit 1 of the Agreement had been updated and an amendment to the Agreement would be required. The recommended amendment to the Agreement is being presented at this time as this is the first Board date available following the required operational, fiscal and legal reviews. Approval at this item will not impact services or activities.
Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement will allow SBCFPD to continue to transfer funds to DHCS to obtain federal matching funds, effective January 1, 2021, for the costs of providing emergency medical ground transport for Medi-Cal managed care patients enrolled with Molina and IEHP.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 1457(c)(1), specific terms related to the rates of payment for health care services are not immediately subject to laws related to public records. Therefore, the Secretary of the Board is directed to maintain confidentiality of this amendment and Agreement with DHCS.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Scott Runyan, Principal Assistant County Counsel, 387-5455) on June 17, 2023; Finance (Tom Forster, Administrative Analyst, 387-4635) on July 18, 2023; and County Finance and Administration (Valerie Clay, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on July 18, 2023.