DEPARTMENT: Department of Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
WellMed Health Related Services Contract Renewal
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the renewal of a professional services contract with WellMed Medical Management, Inc. (WellMed) through September 30, 2016, to provide health screenings and wellness services at no cost to residents, age 60 and older, at Comprehensive Senior Centers in City Council Districts 1, 4, 5, 8, and 10 and additional Senior Nutrition Centers throughout the City, with an annual payment from WellMed of $100,000.00.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Department of Human Services (DHS) provides a variety of services to seniors at 63 senior centers throughout the City. DHS offers seniors, age 60 and older, nutrition services, and other health, wellness, and case management services in a congregate setting.
On April 30, 2009, City Council approved a professional services contract with WellMed to provide health screening and wellness services, at no cost to seniors, at Comprehensive Senior Centers and Senior Nutrition Centers throughout the City. Through this contractual agreement, WellMed provides health screening services, which proactively address chronic conditions, and offers acute care for senior clients. Services provided through this agreement include: health risk assessments and screenings; health education/prevention classes; immunizations; and vision and hearing screenings. Preventive care programs decrease annual health care costs and improve the quality of life for participating seniors. The prior professional services contract with WellMed was for a five year term from 2009 to 2014 and allowed for additional renewals. The annual payment from WellMed of $100,000.00 is allocated to the DHS Senior Services general fund and is used for senior activities.
ISSUE:
In FY 2013, 9,962 health screenings were completed at four Comprehensive Senior Centers (District 1, 4, 5, and 10) and 7,021 health screenings were provided at an additional 57 Senior Nutrition Centers. In FY 2014 approximately 10,000 health screenings are anticipated to be completed at these four Comprehensive Senior Centers and an additional 9,000 health screening are projected to be completed at the 57 participating Senior Nutrition Centers. In FY 2014, 873 flu vaccines have also been provided.
DHS will execute a renewal of a professional services contract with WellMed to provide services at the District 1 Westend Park Senior Center; District 4 Willie Cortez Senior Center; District 5 Senior Center; District 10 Northeast Senior Center; and additional Senior Nutrition Centers throughout the City. Due to increased demand for health screenings and wellness services, this renewal will add the District 8 Bob Ross Senior Center to the professional services contract.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the ordinance is not approved, the City will need to seek and identify a new provider of no cost health related services to seniors at participating centers. Such action would delay the provision of important preventive and acute health care services to seniors and would result in a $100,000.00 yearly revenue loss for the City.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes a renewal of a professional services contract with WellMed, through September 30, 2016. There is no impact to the General Fund as a result of this ordinance. The City will receive funds from WellMed during the term of the agreement to provide health screenings at no cost to seniors at Comprehensive Senior Centers in Districts 1, 4, 5, 8, and 10 and additional Senior Nutrition Centers throughout the City.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this ordinance authorizing a renewal of a professional services contract with WellMed.