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Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), in conjunction with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO), recommending the Board:
1) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 142-2024, to replace and supersede Resolution 182-2019, delegating authority to the Sheriff, or Undersheriff to execute and administer agreements, and amendments by and between the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the County, for the Medi-Cal County Inmate Program (MCIP), contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, if applicable; and
2) Delegate authority to the Sheriff, Undersheriff, or Agency Chief Fiscal Officer of EDSO to execute any required fiscal and programmatic reports related to DHCS MCIP.
FUNDING: Federal (Medicaid); County share of cost for the non-federal portion is based on usage.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
DHCS oversees the California Medical Assistance Program, known as Medi-Cal, which is the State’s Medicaid program intended to provide needed health care services for low-income individuals. Federal law generally prohibits claiming Medicaid funds for healthcare services provided to inmates in correctional facilities. However, there is an exception: if an inmate requires inpatient services at an offsite medical facility for an anticipated stay of more than 24 hours and has completed the application process and been deemed eligible for the MCIP, they can receive Medicaid funding.
Historically, counties have absorbed the full cost of healthcare for county inmates. The MCIP helps alleviate this burden by offsetting costs for inmates who qualify for Medi-Cal. Eligible inmates are billed at Medi-Cal rates, with the county covering only the non-federal portion. Consequently, participating in MCIP can result in budgetary savings for the county.
For eligible inmates or juvenile wards who receive Medi-Cal covered services offsite, the county can submit claims to DHCS. DHCS reimburses the Medi-Cal provider at the ap...
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