Agenda - 12-02-1996 - 13d - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

I Orange County Board of Commissioners Agenda Item Abstract Meeting Date: December 2, 1997 Action Agenda Item SUBJECT: Additional Medicaid Caseworker for UNC Hospitals Department: Social Services ATTACHMENT (S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Letter of Request Marti Pryor-Cook,Ext.#2802 from UNC Hospitals TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough- 732-8181 Durham - 688-7331 Mebane - 227-2031 Chapel Hill -967-9251/968-4501 Purpose: To seek, in principle, approval to amend the Fiscal Year 1996-97 Contract with UNC Hospitals to provide an additional Medicaid Caseworker onsite with all cost associated with the position assumed by the hospital. Background: Beginning in 1977, UNC Hospitals contracted with Orange County to station a DSS Caseworker at their facility to take Medicaid applications for out-of-county patients. Hospital officials requested this arrangement to enhance their collection-rates. In 1888, an additional Caseworker was placed at the hospital due to increased demand, with UNC Hospitals assuming all the costs associated with the two positions. On October 29, 1996, a request was received from the Associate Director of Fiscal Services to place a third caseworker at the hospital. The Associate Director indicated that this was necessary due to expansions they are making in their own intake and counseling services. Hospital staff anticipates that the volume of Medicaid applications will greatly increase. In order to assist the hospital with this increase of Applications/patients, the current Contract will need amending to reflect the third position and associated costs. The DSS Board reviewed this request on Tuesday, November 19, 1996 and approved amending the contract to provide for a third Caseworker. Recommendation: The Manager recommends approval, in principle, subject to County Attorney review, amending the Contract with UNC Hospitals to provide for an additional Medicaid Caseworker.