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2 <br /> provided to Orange County residents with no insurance coverage on an income based sliding <br /> fee scale. The increased fees will allow the Health Department to be reimbursed by Medicaid, <br /> Medicare, and private insurers at higher rates to more fully recover the cost of purchasing <br /> vaccines, drugs, and administering procedures. The proposed changes, as approved by the <br /> Board of Health at its August 26, 2015 meeting, are listed on the attached Personal Health fee <br /> schedule. <br /> Environmental Health <br /> Environmental Health has determined that approximately 95% of clients whose medical <br /> professional refers them to have their well water tested qualify for Medicaid or have a low <br /> enough income to pay $0 on the medical clinic sliding fee scales. Income at these levels makes <br /> paying for the necessary tests cost prohibitive. The average well water test for bacteria, <br /> inorganics, heavy metals and nitrate/nitrite totals $110. Additional testing for Volatile Organic <br /> Compounds (VOCs), pesticides and petroleum are $110 per sample (if requested by the <br /> medical professional). Environmental Health receives an average of 24 medical referrals per <br /> year. These are typically for the full well panel. The cost of these referred tests will be <br /> absorbed within the Environmental Health budget. The proposed changes, as approved by the <br /> Board of Health at its August 26, 2015 meeting, are listed on the attached Environmental Health <br /> fee schedule. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following two Orange County Social Justice Goals are <br /> applicable to this agenda item: <br /> GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY <br /> The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary <br /> for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their <br /> dependents. <br /> GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY <br /> The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang <br /> activity, substance abuse and domestic violence. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the revised fees <br /> as requested. <br />