To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Cheryl Ternes, Director Human Services Department
Prepared By:
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Bob Prevost, Deputy Director Human Services Department
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presenter
Presenter: Bob Prevost, Deputy Director, Human Services Department
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Subject:
title
2:15 PM *Medicaid Targeted Grant Recognition and Retention Payments
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is providing information and seeking direction on targeted grant funds received by DHS and their proposed use.
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Background and Discussion: The DHS received $97,650 in targeted grant funding for reimbursements related to county Medical Assistance staff retention and rewards for performance, customer service and dedication to their communities throughout the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). The County Grant Program is for SFY 2023/2024 and awards $450 for each Full Time Employee (FTE) and Public Health Emergency (PHE) Temporary staff member that worked on Medical Assistance cases. These payments are designed to recognize the additional work staff have completed and to help us to retain the staff that we have. There are 217 staff assigned to work Medical Assistance cases.
This is the third year the Medicaid Targeted Grant funds have been offered to assist counties in staff recognition and staff retention. This grant is separate from the Medicaid Incentives funds which are directly related to performance measures being met. Every county is able to apply for the Medicaid Targeted Grant funds in the amount of $450 per FTE or PHE Temp.
Fiscal Impact: The Medicaid Targeted Funds do not require a county match. These additional funds will not require a budget supplemental as the current Human Services budget will cover the expenditures. There will be no impact to the current budget, County General Fund, or the Human Services fund balance.
Alternatives: The BOCC may choose to have the DHS not use Medicaid Targeted Grant funds for the purpose of recognizing staff efforts and assist in staff retention. The DHS would then return the $97,650.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Use $97,650 Medicaid Targeted Grant funds to provide recognition and retention payments in the amount of $450 to all Medical Assistance FTE and PHE Temps in the Human Services Department.
Concurrence: Todd Weaver, Finance Director; Michael Valentine, Deputy County Attorney