20240326-009 FY 24-25 Free Primary Healthcare for Uninsured Resettled Refugees, Immigrants, and Other Underserved People — original pdf

Recommendation

HISPANIC/LATINO QUALITY OF LIFE RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240326-9 Free Primary Healthcare for Uninsured Resettled Refugees, Immigrants, and Other Underserved People Date: March 26, 2024 Subject: FY25 Budget Recommendations Recommendation Motioned by: Commissioner Perales Seconded by: Commissioner Neri Texas has one of the highest rates of uninsured residents. All people should be able to access primary care on a consistent basis. The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission recommends funding direct patient care for uninsured resettled refugees, immigrants, and other underserved people. Description of Recommendation to Council ● $100,000 in funds for direct patient care activities and operations Background and Rationale: Austin Public Health currently funds case management for social services and medical case management for patients through their Social Services Grant. This program is for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. However, this funding cannot provide direct patient care nor is it targeted to help the Hispanic/Latino communities. The City of Austin Equity Office awarded a $10,000 mini grant for direct patient care activities for Immigrant Inclusion. 25% of their patients are Hispanic/Latino, and they tracked roughly 3,000 minutes of Spanish language interpreter time. The services are provided by Hope Clinic. Hope Clinic provides free primary healthcare, mostly to resettled refugees. In order for patients to qualify for services, they must have no health insurance and live in the Austin area. All their services are free, including acute primary care of common illnesses, chronic disease care, prescription medication, over the counter medication, basic lab work, basic imaging, flu shots, medical supplies, nutrition education, well-woman exams, preventative care, school physicals, and limited physical therapy. They have a small pharmacy on site. The current one time mini grant is not enough funding to provide direct patient care. Vote: 8-0 For: Commissioner Neri, Commissioner Silva, Commissioner Afifi, Commissioner Vargas, Commissioner Perales, Commissioner Castañeda, Commissioner Galvan, Commissioner Jackson Jr. Against: None Abstain: None Attest: Absent: Commissioner May, Commissioner Maldonado _________________________________ Amanda Afifi, Chair