Continuum of Care

5 Things To Know: CalAIM Incentive Payment Plan, Retention Payment Program, Monkeypox Resources

CALAIM INCENTIVE PAYMENT PLAN PROGRAM UPDATE: The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) Incentive Payment Program is intended to support the implementation and expansion of enhanced care management and community supports by incentivizing managed care plans (MCPs) to drive MCP delivery system investment in provider capacity and delivery system infrastructure. It is also intended to bridge current silos across physical and behavioral health care service delivery; reduce health disparities and promote health equity; achieve improvements in quality performance; and encourage take-up of community supports. More information on the MCP Incentive Payment Plan Program Year 1 Gap Filling Plan is available by county (San Diego and Imperial included) on the Department of Health Care Services website. Additional general information on the Incentive Payment Program can be found on the CalAIM Roundtables by Region web pages for San Diego and Imperial counties. 

5 Things To Know: Health Services Task Force, Cybersecurity Project, Health Care Scholarships

HEALTH SERVICES CAPACITY TASK FORCE: The All-Hazard Health Services Capacity Management Plan activation level has been elevated from Level 3 Partial Activation to Level 2 Escalated Activation. Over the last week, system metrics have suggested increasing stresses on health care capacity. These indicators include increased emergency department boarders, larger emergency medical services system volumes, and rising wastewater viral detections. Close system monitoring is ongoing to determine the need to escalate to a higher plan level and various mitigation tools may be activated if necessary. Maintaining masking, physical distancing, and other protective practices are vital to minimizing the level of the current patient surge, and vaccinations and boosters against COVID-19 and influenza are strongly encouraged. The Health Services Capacity Task Force Operational Group continues to meet regularly, and sector representatives will provide important updates, facilitate information sharing, and recommend coordinated plan actions to optimize health care delivery countywide.

5 Things To Know: Pharmacy Fraud Scheme, Behavioral Health Access, Vaccine Administration Claims

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: On June 28, the County of San Diego Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a $7.36 billion budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year, with significant investments in behavioral health, homelessness, equity, racial justice, and climate change. Additionally, the board unanimously declared fentanyl as a public health crisis, which will direct county staff to develop a comprehensive strategy to address this crisis and devote more resources to fentanyl education, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction strategies. Board Chair Nathan Fletcher also indicated the county is expected to receive $100 million from a lawsuit settlement with opioid manufacturers, and funding could be directed toward the effort. From August to October, the county will host workshops to get feedback from the community on how to prioritize settlement dollars, and the board will meet in October to consider a framework. Lastly, the board unanimously approved all recommendations and actions to enhance human trafficking prevention and service coordination efforts to support survivors. With this action, the county also authorized procurement to establish peer support navigation services for adult survivors

5 Things To Know: Donations For Ukraine, APOT Materials Available, SNF Update

DONATION OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES FOR UKRAINE: The Naval Medical Center’s Zachary Alexander, MD, is working with the House of Ukraine, a local organization, to help obtain donations of medical supplies to send to Ukraine for humanitarian aid. The organization has established two flights per week from Los Angeles to Ukraine, and they are seeking all kinds of medical supplies, including expired and near-expired materials. A priority list of critically needed supplies is available; contact Dr. Alexander at Zac.alexander@gmail.com or (240) 426-3708 for more information about donating. 

5 Things To Know: Governor’s Budget Proposal, Behavioral Health Grants, Skilled-Nursing Facility Updates

NEW LIVE WELL ON WHEELS BUS: During a Feb. 1 press conference, San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and the Health and Human Services Agency announced the addition of a second Live Well on Wheels (WOW) bus. The bus will provide and deliver same-day services such as health care and food assistance, application assistance, or linkage to mental health services. In 2021, the Live WOW bus served nearly 23,000 people at more than 200 community events, mostly for COVID-19 services. Two additional Live WOW buses and one Public Health Lab bus are also on the way. These buses are available by request to attend community events that are co-hosted by community partners.

5 Things To Know: County Budget, District Election, Report on Hospitals’ Financial Challenges

Input Sought on County Budget: As the effort continues to build a framework for a more equitable, inclusive San Diego County, public input is needed for the 2021-22 budget process. On May 6, the county’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will recommend a draft budget, and on May 26-27 county departments will present their draft budgets. The budget hearings set for June 14 and 16 are opportunities to suggest changes or additional funding needs. From June 14-23 the CAO and Board of Supervisors can request changes to draft budget. This period is the last opportunity to advocate for budget changes. Final budget deliberation and adoption is set for June 29.