DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Colleen M. Bridger, MPH, PhD
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Authorizing a Dental Service Agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes a two year agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. (AVANCE) for AVANCE to provide up to $62,000.00 to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees. Metro Health will provide a twenty percent in-kind match requirement in services totaling $12,400.00 for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees. The initial period of the Dental Service Agreement is September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2020 with an option to renew for one additional two-year term for a cumulative amount, inclusive of renewals, of up to $124,000.00 and an in-kind match requirement in services totaling $24,800.00.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On an annual basis, the Metro Health Dental Program provides diagnostic and preventive care to more than 22,000 children living in poverty by providing services in non-traditional settings, such as Head Start, and on campuses of local Title I elementary schools. Through these programs, many children are identified with additional dental treatment needs beyond the scope of Metro Health services. Case management services are provided by Metro Health dental staff to assist participating children receive needed treatment and to connect families to a source of ongoing care in the community. Approximately 28% of children enrolled in the City’s Head Start Program are not covered through Texas Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP). During the 2017-2018 school year more than 200 children enrolled in the program were identified with untreated decay. Through dental services agreements with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. Metro Health will provide oral health assessments and preventive care, including fluoride varnish applications, for children enrolled in the Head Start Program. Head Start is a federally-funded program that provides day care, education, child development, nutrition and social services, health and disability assessment and parent involvement, both on a full and part-time basis. This program is designed to serve children ages 3 to 5 years whose parents’ income meets Administration for Child, Youth and Families Guidelines.
ISSUE:
Metro Health requests City Council authorize a Dental Service Agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees. Access to early evaluations and preventive care for Head Start children improves the oral and overall health of this vulnerable population. In addition, oral health assessments are required by federal guidelines for the Head Start program and are necessary to ensure that all children enrolled in the program gain access to quality dental care and that those identified with unmet dental needs are referred to an appropriate dental provider for comprehensive treatment.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this Ordinance is not authorized, Metro Health will be unable to seek reimbursement for preventive dental screenings and case management services to children enrolled in Head Start Programs through AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. Additionally, AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. would be forced to find an alternate means to provide the required oral health assessments to Head Start enrollees.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Metro Health is requesting City Council authorization of an agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. for the period September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2020. Through the Dental Service Agreement, Metro Health will receive funding in an amount up to $62,000.00 with an in-kind match requirement in services totaling $12,400.00 with an option to renew for one additional two-year term, for a cumulative amount, inclusive of renewals, of up to $124,000.00 and an in-kind match requirement in services totaling $24,800.00. Funding generated through this agreement is for the direct reimbursement for services and there will be no impact on the City’s General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an Ordinance authorizing an agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees in a cumulative amount of up to $62,000.00 for the period September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2020 with an in-kind match requirement in services totaling $12,400.00, and with the option to renew for an additional two year term.