COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Health Services Agency

DATE:

February 14, 2003

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 4, 2003

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Margaret Taylor, Director of Health Services

Gale Bataille, Director of Mental Health

SUBJECT:

Agreement with the San Mateo Health Commission, dba Health Plan of San Mateo

Recommendation

Adopt a resolution authorizing the President of the Board to execute an agreement with the San Mateo Health Commission, dba the Health Plan of San Mateo, for the Mental Health Services Division to administer the mental health benefits and provide mental health services for beneficiaries of the Healthy Families Program and the Healthy Kids Program, and to provide mental health services to beneficiaries of the HealthWorx Program.

Background

On September 28, 1999, your Board approved a one-year agreement with the Health Plan of San Mateo (HPSM) for the Mental Health Services Division to administer the mental health benefit and provide mental health services for the Healthy Families Program. That agreement automatically renewed annually. Healthy Families is an insurance program funded by the State and federal government that provides basic health, mental health, vision and dental services for children not eligible for Medi-Cal who are at or below 250% of federal poverty level (FPL).

Through a separate MOU between the HPSM and Mental Health Services, Mental Health Services administers the mental health benefit and provides mental health services to beneficiaries of the HealthWorx Program. HealthWorx is the health insurance program for San Mateo County Public Authority In-Home Supportive Services workers.

In the fall of last year your Board established the Children's Health Initiative Coalition as the decision making body for Healthy Kids, the health insurance program for San Mateo County that provides coverage for children up to 400% FPL who are not eligible for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families, and who are not already enrolled in an employer-sponsored insurance program. You also appointed the Health Plan of San Mateo as the Plan administrator. Mental health services are included as a client benefit of this program.

Discussion

This agreement covers the administration of mental health benefits and the provision of mental health services for beneficiaries covered by Healthy Families, HealthWorx and Healthy Kids. This agreement supercedes the previous agreement between Mental Health Services and the HPSM for the provision of mental health services for Healthy Families. It also supercedes the MOU between Mental Health Services and the HPSM for services to beneficiaries of the HealthWorx program. As the San Mateo County Mental Health Plan, Mental Health Services will administer the mental health benefits and provide mental health services for children who have coverage under Healthy Kids.

This agreement has been prepared by the HPSM. It has been reviewed and approved by both County Counsel and Risk Management.

Vision Alignment

This agreement keeps the commitment to Ensure Basic Health and Safety for All and goal number 8: Help vulnerable people-the aged, disabled, mentally ill, at risk youth, and others- achieve a better quality of life. The agreement contributes to this commitment by providing mental health services to residents with Healthy Families, HealthWorx, and Healthy Kids insurance coverage.

Fiscal Impact

The term of this agreement is eighteen months, with the start date being the date of approval by your Board. Mental Health Services will receive payment under this agreement on a fee for service basis. There is no net county cost.