HomeMy WebLinkAboutReports - 2023.08.17 - 40507
AGENDA ITEM: Partnership with FernCare Free Clinic to Increase Health Care Availability for
Uninsured Oakland County Residents
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
MEETING: Board of Commissioners
DATE: Thursday, August 17, 2023 7:39 PM - Click to View Agenda
ITEM SUMMARY SHEET
COMMITTEE REPORT TO BOARD
Resolution #2023-3243
Motion to approve the one-time appropriation of $10,000 from non-departmental transfers General
Fund Special Projects to the Board of Commissioners General Fund Special Projects line-item
budget for the purpose of increasing health care availability for Oakland County residents by offering
one additional clinic session each month at FernCare Free Clinic, non-profit 501 c(3); further, the FY
2023 Budget shall be amended as reflected in the attached Schedule A – Budget Amendment and
that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approve and authorize the Board Chair to
execute the required Agreement on behalf of Oakland County.
ITEM CATEGORY SPONSORED BY
Special Project Marcia Gershenson, Gwen Markham, Ajay
Raman, Charles Cavell
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Summary of Proposed Project
There are currently over 32,700 people uninsured in Oakland County between the ages of 19 –
64. That number is expected to increase significantly with the State of Michigan’s Medicaid
Redetermination Process, restoring the stricter qualification requirements loosened during COVID-
19. Oakland County residents are in need of additional services provided by social safety net
facilities, such as FernCare Free Clinic. This proposal seeks to address funding needs to expand
capacity to help service the uninsured population in Oakland County by adding an additional
monthly clinic session for patients over the last 4 months of 2023. FernCare is by appointment only
and currently offers 7 clinic sessions per month. This revenue would allow FernCare to open an 8th
clinic session.
FernCare provides vital services to patients without insurance at no cost, including primary care
services, vaccinations, medications, diagnostic lab services and other health care, in conjunction
with our partners such as radiology and mental health counseling. All new patients also meet with
an insurance counselor to determine eligibility for more robust health care coverage.
The additional clinic sessions would be kicked off in September with a public event celebrating
FernCare’s expansion and recognizing the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for their
funding and support. The intent of this event is not only to recognize the contributions of the
Commission but to promote FernCare and the services it offers. The event would contribute not
only to informing the community of available assistance but also in recruiting volunteers and
donors. Additional signage would be added to FernCare’s Web Site, social media and physical
facility recognizing the Commission for its support.
What is the estimated cost of this project?
$40,000 total cost, of which $10,000 is being requested
Are there any possible funding partners or matching funds available? If so, please explain.
Yes. FernCare received a grant from the MetroHealth Foundation and plans on using its own
funding.
What is the purpose of this project?
Increasing the number of clinic sessions would engage a minimum of 80 individuals to receive free
medical care. Inclusive of that care as mentioned is a primary care visit, lab testing that may be
required, generic pharmaceuticals should a prescription be required, medical supplies and imaging
coverage that the physician refers to. In addition, any new patient will meet with a volunteer
insurance counselor and be evaluated for eligibility in exchange for government coverage. All
patients diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension will have the option of being enrolled in
FernCare’s Case Management Program, which will provide ongoing coaching and support to assist
with addressing their medical condition. Inclusive of the case management program is at home
monitoring equipment such as glucometers and blood pressure readers.
Who will benefit from the project and how?
Uninsured Oakland County residents.
What is the expected duration of the project?
September 2023 - December 2024
Will the project/cost fall within one or multiple budget cycles?
One-time funding.
Will there be a need to organize support from any Oakland County Departments or outside
agencies? If so, please explain.
No.
Does this project fall within the scope of the Board of Commissioners’ authority?
Yes.
BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes
Committee members can contact Michael Andrews, Policy and Fiscal Analysis Supervisor at
248.425.5572 or andrewsmb@oakgov.com, or the department contact persons listed for additional
information.
CONTACT
Marcia Gershenson, Commissioner
ITEM REVIEW TRACKING
Aaron Snover, Board of Commissioners Created/Initiated - 8/17/2023
AGENDA DEADLINE: 08/27/2023 7:39 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. BOC-Partnership with FernCare Free Clinic to Increase Health Care Availability for Uninsured
Oakland County Residents
COMMITTEE TRACKING
2023-08-03 Full Board - refer to Finance Committee
2023-08-09 Finance - Recommend to Board
2023-08-17 Full Board - Approve
Motioned by: Commissioner Gwen Markham
Seconded by: Commissioner Marcia Gershenson
Yes: David Woodward, Yolanda Smith Charles, Kristen Nelson, Robert Hoffman, Charles Cavell,
Brendan Johnson, Penny Luebs, Gwen Markham, Ajay Raman, Angela Powell, Marcia
Gershenson, William Miller III (12)
No: Karen Joliat, Christine Long, Michael Spisz, Philip Weipert (4)
Abstain: None (0)
Absent: Gary McGillivray, Michael Gingell (2)
Passed
Oakland County, Michigan
Partnership with FernCare Free Clinic to Increase Health Care Availability for Uninsured Oakland County Residents
Schedule "A" DETAIL
R/E Fund Name Division Name
Fund #
(FND)Cost Center (CCN) #
Account
# (RC/SC)
Program #
(PRG)
Grant ID
(GRN) #
Project
ID #
(PROJ)
Region
(REG)
Budget
Fund
Affiliate
(BFA)
Ledger
Account
Summary Account Title
FY 2023
Amendment FY 2024 Amendment
FY 2025
Amendment
E General Fund Non-Department Transfers FND10100 CCN9090101 SC731822 PRG196030 730000 Special Projects $(10,000)$-$-
E General Fund Board of Commissioners FND10100 CCN5010101 SC731822 PRG180010 730000 Special Projects 10,000 --
Total Expenditures $-$-$-