To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann, 707-565-5800; Tiffany Lewis, 707-565-5900
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Human Services Department Memorandum of Understanding with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc.
End
Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize the execution of an automatic renewal no-cost Memorandum of Understanding between the Human Services Department and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., effective July 14, 2026 , which includes County mutual indemnification language for the coordination of services for Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are receiving or may be eligible for In-Home Supportive Services.
end
Executive Summary:
The Human Services Department requests that the Board authorize the execution of a no-cost Memorandum of Understanding between the Human Services Department and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. for coordination of services for Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are receiving or may be eligible for In-Home Supportive Services. This agreement will automatically renew annually with review by the Human Services Department every five years.
The Memorandum of Understanding includes mutual indemnification language, which is a standard risk management provision designated to protect both parties.
Discussion:
The Human Services Department (HSD) will enter a new no cost/revenue Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. to deliver coordinated services for Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are receiving or may be eligible for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). This agreement will support improved coordination between County-administered IHSS services and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. managed care services to promote timely access, continuity of care, improved health outcomes, and member safety. The MOU establishes responsibility for referrals, care coordination, data sharing, quarterly oversight meetings, quality improvement activities, and dispute resolution processes.
The MOU includes mutual indemnification language, which is a standard risk management provision designed to protect both parties. Under this provision, each party agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other party, including its officers, agents, and employees, from claims, liabilities, losses, or expenses arising from that party’s own acts, omissions, negligence, or the conduct of its employees, contractors, or agents. This reciprocal framework ensures accountability remains with the responsible entity and helps safeguard county resources, while enabling interagency collaboration. The indemnification clause survives termination of the agreement.
Board approval of this Memorandum of Understanding will allow HSD to strengthen partnerships with managed care plans and support coordinated service delivery for vulnerable older adults and persons.
Strategic Plan:
Not Applicable
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
None.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None.
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
No new positions are requested. Services will be delivered using existing staff and resources.
Attachments:
Kaiser Memorandum of Understanding
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None.