Board Approves Limited‑Term CalAIM Program Coordinator to Launch Medi‑Cal Billing for Jail and Juvenile Facilities

The board voted unanimously Sept. 15 to add a limited‑term CalAIM Program Coordinator position to support a state mandate requiring certain Medi‑Cal care coordination for people in custody. The position will be allocated 0.6 FTE to the county jail (Budget Unit 2032) and 0.4 FTE to the juvenile detention facility (Budget Unit 2036) with a sunset date noted in the resolution.

Sheriff Dave Kane explained the county received grant funding to stand up the program and that the intent is to bill Medi‑Cal for services (including up to 90 days before release) and use reimbursements to sustain the program after the initial grant. Kane described a phased start — beginning with a smaller cohort (female inmates) to pilot services and billing — and said the county had already certified for Medi‑Cal reimbursements and contracted billing support.

Supervisor questions focused on the budget horizon and whether reimbursements would cover costs in year three; Kane said staffing and billing plans aim to generate revenue quickly and that the county has startup funds available and may extend state funding. The board moved and approved the resolution adding the limited‑term position and related budget allocation by roll call.

Staff said additional informational presentations on CalAIM will be provided once the coordinator in place and implementation proceeds.