COUNTY APPROVES HEALTH PROGRAM FOR LOW INCOME RESIDENTS

Program Expands Coverage for Uninsured, Thanks to Federal Funds

May 24, 2011 (San Diego)--Today the County Board of Supervisors approved implementation of the Low Income Health Program (LIHP). The program will expand the successful Coverage Initiative program which the County's Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has been operating since 2007.

The expanded program will provide access to primary care and mental health benefits to low-income, uninsured adults. The program will help improve health outcomes and decrease healthcare costs in the region. LIHP will serve single, medically indigent individuals at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, and provide them with a patient-centered medical home.

“The Low Income Health Program provides an integrated approach to treat our high cost, high need population,” said Chairman Bill Horn, County Board of Supervisors. “Not only is this program leveraging important federal dollars to provide this care, it is also providing more integrated care to more people.”

This effort is an important collaboration with community stakeholders, especially the community clinics and Hospital Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties. HHSA has contracted with five clinic systems at 16 sites for services since 2007.

“The LIHP addresses a key component to our “Live, Well, San Diego!” strategy to build better health throughout the region,” said Nick Macchione, Director of HHSA. “Treating the whole health of a person- physical and mental- leads to better clinical and cost outcomes. Providing the right care at the right time is crucial to the health of those we serve and the health of the entire community.”

The expanded program is offered beginning July 1.