The 1,600 programs serve hundreds of thousands of Californians with mental illness in every county

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 17, 2012) – Today, NAMI California released its anticipated report detailing the programs funded by $7 billion dollars generated by California’s historic Prop 63, the “millionaire’s tax.” The extensive report titled, MHSA County Programs 2012: Services Promoting Recovery and Reducing Homelessness, Hospitalization and Incarceration, is a compilation of the 1,600 programs throughout the state funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

The Report outlines programs serving the estimated two million Californians in need of mental health services. One in 12 adults lives with a mental illness and one in 10 children live with a serious emotional disturbance causing significant impairment. Programs include wellness centers, crisis intervention teams, community college pathways, early childhood counseling, parenting skills, treatment for depression, suicide prevention, and transitional programs for people who are homeless. The Report is available at www.namicalifornia.org.

Compiled by NAMI California, the Report lists all programs funded through the MHSA by county. This is the only comprehensive report of MHSA-funded programs and it provides a view into the wide range of programs, services and supports provided by Proposition 63 funds, serving the needs of communities throughout California.

“It is our hope that this Report will help Californians to see the value of MHSA programs,” said Dorothy Hendrickson, President of NAMI California. At a time when state funds formerly dedicated to mental health services are diminishing, NAMI California and its members are concerned about the weakening safety net. The ongoing budget crisis and recession makes our MHSA funds more important than ever. The services provided through these funds have positively affected our stakeholders. That is why NAMI California has advocated for preservation of MHSA funding to safeguard these programs.”

Organized by county, the Report names and describes each MHSA program, those served by the programs, and the names and contact information of county MHSA coordinators. Programs funded through MHSA can help a person with chronic and persistent mental illness toward recovery and a meaningful role in society, reducing the client’s risk of becoming a person who is homeless, incarcerated, hospitalized, dependent, or a forgotten statistic.

“In one way or another, virtually all California families are touched by mental illness. This report validates the vision of California voters who approved Proposition 63, understanding the necessity for more effective programs to help people turn around their lives,” said Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg. “Many counties are now seeing significant declines in homelessness, emergency room visits and incarceration of people with mental illness. I applaud NAMI California for its extensive research in compiling this guide to MHSA programs, to assist Californians in finding the services they need.”

As the Report shows, thousands of programs, serving hundreds of thousands of Californians over the past seven years, are available now to help improve the lives of those with serious mental illness. These programs have helped reduce hospitalization, homelessness, suicide, and incarcerations, reaching children, youth, transitional age youth (ages 16-25), adults, older adults, veterans and their family members.

ABOUT NAMI CALIFORNIA

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, California (NAMI California) is the largest membership organization comprised of families and individuals affected by serious mental illness in the state. As a non-profit grassroots organization, it advocates for lives of quality and respect, without discrimination and stigma, and provides leadership in advocacy, legislation, policy development, education, and support throughout California.

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Media invited to interview aerobatic performers and join them in the air

Rancho Murieta, Calif. (May 14, 2012)– The Rancho Murieta Airshow returns after eighteen years along with aerobatic performers in celebration of Armed Forces Day, May 19, 2012. The legendary Rancho Murieta airshows that took place in the mid-‘80s are making a comeback with military might and astonishing performances that will surely impress any spectator.

“The airshow will not only be an exciting event in our community,” said Bradley Beer, owner of the Rancho Murieta Airport. “It gives us an opportunity to support the USO by donating a portion of the proceeds to them. This will be the best airshow in our region this year.”

The Rancho Murieta Airshow is the perfect way to celebrate Armed Forces Day as top-notch talents fly memorable aerobatic performances. Military jets will fly over to honor our men and women in uniform and patrons can closely view static military aircraft. Unique aircraft, classic warbirds, P-51s, and Hawker Sea Furies will be on display as well as military aircraft, C-130s, and Blackhawk helicopters.

“The aerobatic performers are not just individual pilots and crews coming together to do a job,” said Beer. “This is a team on a mission to have fun and share the freedom of flying.”

Award winning pilot, Julie Clark will be available for interviews and to give airplane rides to the media on Thursday, May 17. Media airplane rides will also be given on Friday, May 18, and the entire lineup of performers will be available to interview – all leading up to the airshow on Saturday, May 19.

Located on the east edge of the Sacramento Valley, just off Highway 16, Jackson Highway, the Rancho Murieta Airport is a treasure for pilots and patrons alike. The airport is an intimate venue for seasoned pilots to demonstrate their airborne mastery and for patrons to be close enough to hear the roar of the engines and feel a tremble in the air as military aircraft and warbirds fly past.

Food, vendors, activities for the kids, and RC demos round out the day. General admission is $12 in advance, $15 at the gate, and free for children under 12. Parking is free.

VIP tickets are available for $100 in advance, which includes admission, a catered lunch and hosted bar in the Performer’s Tent, great show center seating, and shade all day.

Advance tickets are available at the Rancho Murieta Airport or by calling (916) 354-9889. For more information, please visit www.ranchomurietaairport.com.

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

WHAT:
The exciting airshows from the 1980s are making a comeback as the Rancho Murieta Airport hosts the Rancho Murieta Airshow on Armed Forces Day. Star aerobatic performers will show off their skills in aerobatic and military aircraft and are offering to take you along for a ride. Here is your chance to learn firsthand about aviation and interview phenomenal aerobatic performers. Look for us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RanchoMurietaAirshow.

WHEN:
Thursday, May 17, 2012– Meet and ride with award-winning pilot, Julie Clark (By appointment)
Friday, May 18, 2012– Meet and ride with the show’s aerobatic performers (From 2:00-4:00 pm)
Saturday, May 19, 2012– Rancho Murieta Airshow (From 10 am – 4 pm, gates open at 8:30 am)

WHERE:
Rancho Murieta Airport
7443 Murieta Drive
Rancho Murieta, CA 95683

WHO:
Performers include: Julie Clark- T-34 Mentor, Bill Stein- Edge 540, Eddie Andreini- Super Stearman, Dennis Sanders- Hawker Sea Fury, Vicky Benzing- Extra 300, Dan Buchanan- Northwing Glider and Dan Vance P-51 Mustang. There will also be military fly-bys such as FA-18, Blackhawk helicopter, C-130 and more!

VISIUALS:

• Ticket giveaways available.
• Open area ideal for early morning or evening broadcasts/live shots – Thursday-Saturday.
• Ability to take pictures, film and interview star aerobatic performers.
• Showcase these commercial and military aircraft up close and in motion.
• Meet these fascinating pilots and learn firsthand what it takes to be an aerobatic performer. Come out and see for yourself!
• Conduct your live weather or sports reports from the show.
• Willing and able to accommodate early morning, afternoon or evening live shots.
• Watch a short video here.

To schedule an interview or an airplane ride, please RSVP by calling (916) 658-0144 or by emailing yadira@perrycom.com.

$800 million in new visitation expenditures expected through 2016 in the Golden State

International Pow Wow 2012

SACRAMENTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As part of Visit California’s long-term strategy to boost the state’s economy by attracting more high-spending international visitors, Visit California joins the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board in hosting North America’s premier travel trade show – International Pow Wow (IPW) – April 21-25. Pow Wow 2012 marks the second consecutive year of U.S. Travel Association’s biggest event being staged in the Golden State, following Pow Wow 2011 in San Francisco. Visit California will lead a delegation of more than 225 California travel industry businesses and destinations to aggressively promote the Golden State to the thousands of international tour operators and media attending.

“In terms of economic impact and global exposure, International Pow Wow is the Olympic Games of the U.S. travel industry,” said Caroline Beteta, Visit California president and CEO. “Hosting IPW in Los Angeles this year and San Francisco last year gave Visit California an incredible opportunity to show off our diverse tourism product to the world’s most influential and top-producing buyers of U.S. travel products.”

U.S. Travel Association estimates that the IPW host city and surrounding areas can expect to generate an extra $400 million in incremental expenditures over the following three years. That means that the Los Angeles and San Francisco regions alone can expect to see up to $800 million in additional international traveler revenues through 2016. This opportunity, combined with Visit California’s significant global marketing investments in recent years, will result in more tourism business for California, which means more state and local tax revenues and more jobs.

In 2011, spending by 220 million visitors to California led to a record $102.3 billion in expenditures, supporting 893,000 jobs and generating $2.3 billion in local tax dollars. International tourism is the fastest growing segment and represents 20 percent of total visitor spending – adding up to $19.1 billion in 2011.

“While our long-term strategy of increasing investment in international markets is paying off – recent figures project a 21 percent increase in international visitation between 2011 and 2015 – we know we can’t take this growth for granted,” Beteta said. “California competes globally for these lucrative visitors, who stay longer and spend more than domestic travelers, and as the global economy continues to improve the competition will get even fiercer. Visit California will continue to look for high-impact opportunities like IPW to attract these high-value customers.”

Visit California commits more than $20 million to international marketing with in-market representation around the globe, from Europe and Australia to Asia and South America. This investment – about 50% of the overall destination marketing budget – funds an ever-growing global online presence, direct to consumer advertising in select markets and year-round travel trade and public relations activities. Visit California spent $23.68 million on global advertising in 2011 to reach 68.9 million consumers, generating $5.5 billion in incremental visitor spending – a remarkable return on investment of $231 to $1. (Tax ROI: $15 to $1).

Due in part to Visit California’s international investment, total visits to California grew by an estimated 3.3 percent in 2011, fueled by overseas travel (up 10.5 percent, versus domestic visits, up 2.8 percent). Growth in international visitor spending (up 12.6 percent) outpaced domestic spending gains (up 6.9 percent) in 2011, with total expenditures up a robust 7.6 percent.

The forecast for 2012 is also bright, with overseas visits expected to increase 5.7 percent, Mexican visits up 3.9 percent and Canadian visits up 3.6 percent. Total international spending, boosted by Visit California’s marketing investment, is anticipated to rise a healthy 6.8 percent, outperforming forecasted domestic growth (up 4.4 percent).

“We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to maintain and expand our robust marketing program targeting the international market, which we see as a long-term investment for California’s growth,” said Beteta, who also serves as Vice Chair of Brand USA, the country’s first-ever national marketing program to promote the United States travel brand to international consumers. “Aligning efforts with Brand USA to boost international tourism into our country is a natural extension of our global marketing program and key to our state’s future economic health.”

ABOUT VISIT CALIFORNIA

Visit California is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. According to Visit California, travel and tourism expenditures total over $102 billion annually in California (20 percent of which is international), support jobs for 893,000 Californians and generate $6.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Visitor’s Guide, go to www.VisitCalifornia.com.

Contacts
Visit California
Jennifer Sweeney, 916-233-0255
PR Manager (U.S. & Canada)
jsweeney@visitcalifornia.com
Shannon Brooks
PR Manager (International)
sbrooks@visitcalifornia.com

We will soon witness the greatest transformation of the health care system in our nation’s history. California is on the frontlines and the first state in the country to create a program to implement the federal Affordable Care Act. The California Health Benefit Exchange will be an online marketplace for eligible individuals to purchase coverage, a universe also comprised of small businesses that is estimated to be more than eight million by 2016, according to University of California, Berkeley.

The California Partnership for Access to Treatment (CPAT) hosted two informative seminars which included discussions about the sources of health insurance in the state, the rising costs of health care, the Exchange’s vision, mission and values and issues and obstacles facing the execution of health care reform in the state. These seminars also focused on how Exchange will work, what it means for employers of all sizes and the Exchange’s potential impact on patients, health care providers and advocacy organizations, as well as the quality of care. Click here to watch the

• Riverside Presentation (pdf)
• Sacramento Presentation (pdf) (click here to watch presentation)

About CPAT:

The California Partnership for Access to Treatment (CPAT) is a diverse network of advocacy organizations, community groups, health care providers and employers, committed to ensuring a healthy and productive California. CPAT serves as a communications, education and resource network to keep its partners and the communities they serve informed about critical issues involving access to treatment in California. For more information about CPAT, contact us at (916) 658-0144.

PCG earns five CAPPIE Awards for accomplishments throughout 2011

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 26, 2012)– Perry Communications Group (PCG) dominated the awards field again this year garnering five CAPPIE Awards in a variety of categories. The annual CAPPIE Awards ceremony, hosted by the Sacramento Public Relations Association, honors the best public relations efforts from the previous year. The awards ceremony was celebrated March 22, 2012 at The Citizen Hotel in California’s capital city, including recognition of SPRA’s 25th anniversary.

“I am proud of the work our team has done to help our clients reach their business goals,”
said Kassy Perry, President and CEO of Perry Communications Group. “Our passion to help their cause is being demonstrated in the amount of awards we received last night.”

Perry Communications Group received one gold, three silver and one bronze CAPPIE Awards for:

• Overall Public Relations Programs, Self-Promotion Campaign: Perry Communications Group– Eat. Drink. Be Perry. Holiday Gift Card (GOLD)
• Individual Public Relations Tools, Writing: Visit California– Fox & Hounds Daily Blog Opinion Editorial (SILVER)
• Individual Public Relations Tools, Writing: Visit California – Outlook Forum Press Release (SILVER)
• Overall Public Relations Programs, Special or Media Event: Council for American Medical Innovation – Innovate California (SILVER)
• Individual Public Relations Tools, Continuing Publication/Newsletter: California Partnership for Access to Treatment – CA Access News (BRONZE)

About Perry Communications Group:

Perry Communications Group is an independent, full-service strategic communications firm specializing in public relations and public affairs. We work at the center of issues that matter and give new perspective to the issues and events making headlines today. As well as those that will in the future. We shape ideas, opinions, decisions and social change. The bottom line for us is always the same – we’re invested in the cause and our clients’ work. For more information, visit PCG at www.perrycom.com or call (916) 658-0144.
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Sacramento Business Journal by Melanie Turner, Staff Writer
Date: Friday, March 23, 2012, 11:22am PDT

Big winners at this year’s CAPPIE Awards Gala included Perry Communications Group and 3fold Communications, each of which took home five awards, including a gold award, three silver awards and a bronze.

The 25th anniversary awards ceremony, held Thursday at the Citizen Hotel, recognized excellence in the field of public relations.

Perry Communications won a gold medal for a self-promotion campaign dubbed, “Eat. Drink. Be Perry.” Perry also won silver for a special or media event for Innovate California, a symposium on medical innovation, and a silver in the press release category for its work with Visit California, formerly known as the California Travel and Tourism Commission.

Read the Full Article

Cloud Application Tracks Maintenance, Improvements, Inventory, To Dos and Spending

SACRAMENTO, CA (January 27, 2012) – Starting today, homeowners across the country will be able to manage all their important home information in one online solution via the web or mobile application, thanks to HomeZada launching its new software technology in Sacramento.

“HomeZada revolutionizes the way homeowners manage the many aspects of homeownership by bringing together multiple applications and content in one online solution,” said co-founder Elizabeth Dodson. “Our product is much more than a new closet system or plastic container organizer that makes life less cluttered. HomeZada is the only company that organizes and manages the important things we tend to put off or have scattered in different locations, such as an inventory of our possessions, home maintenance checklists, To Do lists, home improvement projects, and home spending.”

HomeZada’s home inventory system manages photos, receipts, warranties, and owners’ manuals for personal possessions and the fixed equipment and materials assets in the home. The home improvement projects features allow the homeowner to financially plan all their remodel, decorative and outdoor projects in a timeline. It also has a template of more than 45 common home improvement projects that homeowners can add to or delete to personalize and maximize the product’s usefulness.

“I have been a licensed real estate agent, a financier, a residential and commercial developer, and have remodeled several homes over the past 30 years. I wish this valuable tool was around years ago,” said Brad Burris, CEO Lakeside Media, Inc., publisher of HOME Improvement and Remodeling Magazine.

The technology provides homeowners with valuable content including more than 150 maintenance, yardwork and special cleaning re-occurring checklists that take into account seasonal issues. Home inventory templates predict common items in a home that minimize data entry time. Homeowners can also save intelligent bookmarks as shopping choices as well as document their purchases and instantly update their home inventory.

“People manage their money, career, travel, entertainment, shopping, and family and friends with online cloud-based solutions,” said co-founder John Bodrozic. “It is time for one cloud-based solution to manage their home and their possessions, and that’s exactly what HomeZada does.”

HomeZada is equally valuable to the first time homebuyer, the step-up home owner and those with multiple homes. With statistics showing that one in every 39 homes is burglarized and a home catches fire every 45 seconds in this country, HomeZada is the gold standard in keeping important documents and lists in one safe, secure place.

“Most people can’t account for all their belongings, particularly if they have more than one home,” said co-founder, David Ing. “Insurance companies require owners to document their loss and police reports require serial numbers and other vital information to help them track stolen property. If the unexpected happens, HomeZada is there to help put the pieces back together.”

One of the valuable components of the product is the alerts and reminders for any upcoming or overdue To Dos including warranties expiring, as well as smart recommendations for additional things the homeowner could do to maximize the management of the home. This helps busy homeowners stay on top of the things that need to be done to retain the value of their homes.

“HomeZada brings all the elements of homeownership together in one place,” said Dodson. “The value for homeowners is improved organization of all the important information about their property and being better prepared if something bad happens to their home. Homeowners can save money on maintaining and improving their property while improving their future planning and spending on their homes.”

About HomeZada:

HomeZada (www.homezada.com) is an innovative online home organization software application that helps homeowners manage their household and keep it running smoothly. It’s the first web and mobile solution that manages your home inventory, home maintenance, home improvement projects, home To Dos and home spending all in one central, secure, and easily accessible place.
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International Travel is Major Boost to State’s Economy

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (January 19, 2012) – Visit California applauds President Obama’s efforts to boost international visitation to the United States. In an address today, the President praised the value of travel and announced a federal plan to ease entry requirements for international visitors in an effort to spur the nation’s economy.

Millions of visitors come to California each year from all over the globe, generating more than $17 billion in spending to the state’s economy and helping to support nearly 900,000 jobs.

Highlighting the tremendous economic value of tourism, President Obama discussed the importance of providing access to the U.S. for people from all over the globe, especially those from China, India and Brazil. As access to California is made simpler, visitors from those countries will help boost the state’s economy by traveling more frequently and spending more money while here.

“International visitation remains an untapped pot of gold when people cannot get here,” said Caroline Beteta, President and CEO of Visit California and Vice-Chair of Brand USA. “With an abundance of visitor experiences and a brand loved worldwide, California has a tremendous opportunity to benefit from efforts to improve the entry process for foreign visitors and remain the number one tourist destination in the United States.”

California continues to reap the benefits from international travel:

• In 2012, for the first time ever, the travel industry injected more than $100 billion in direct travel spending into California’s economy;
• While international travel represents only six percent of all visits to the state, it represents 18 percent of all dollars spent;
• International visitation to California is expected to grow 4.8 percent in 2012;
• Total travel-related employment in California in 2011 is expected to reach 890,000 jobs, which is more than four percent of total employment in the state;
• The $17 billion spent in California in 2010 by international travelers alone was more than the combined value of the state’s top four product exports ($15.2 billion): Civilian Aircraft, Non-Industrial Diamonds, Computer Parts and Voice/Image/Data Equipment.

California is already the number one U.S. destination for Chinese visitors. In 2010, approximately 401,000 Chinese visitors – half of the total number that visited the U.S. – came to the Golden State. Those visitors spent a record $1 billion in California.

India is not only one of the fastest growing economies in the world; it is also a rapidly growing market for travel to the Golden State. In 2010, 184,000 visitors came from India to California – up 17-percent from the previous year – and spend $188 million.

The United States is the top international travel destination for Brazilians. In 2010, 112,000 Brazilians arrived in California, representing 9.3 percent of overall 1.2 million arrivals in the USA.

For more information about California’s travel and tourism economic value, please visit http://tourism.visitcalifornia.com.

About Visit California

Visit California is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. California is currently the number one travel destination in the country. In 2010, travel and tourism expenditures totaled $95.1 billion annually in California, supported jobs for 873,000 Californians and generated $6.1 billion in state and local tax revenues. For more information, please visit http://tourism.visitcalifornia.com/.

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MedLion expands direct primary care to Valley residents without insurance

MONTEREY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nearly one in four Fresno residents is without any kind of health care coverage. MedLion, Inc., a pioneering Direct Primary Care practice, today announced the company’s expansion into the Fresno region by including William Work, M.D., in its fast-growing network of affiliated physicians. Dr. Work is a highly respected physician in the region and the latest to join MedLion’s direct primary care practice which provides patients access to high quality and affordable personalized primary care without the high cost and burdens associated with traditional health insurance.

“As people lost their jobs during this economic downturn, so too have they lost their health care coverage and have either gone without routine, preventive medical care or turned to emergency rooms for their care,” said Work. “MedLion is the solution to the crisis of the under and uninsured by providing affordable comprehensive primary care and I’m delighted to be part of this cutting-edge model of care.”

Nearly seven million Californians lacked health insurance in 2010, more than any other state, according to a study by the California Healthcare Foundation released in December. Twenty-four percent of working, non-elderly (65 years old and younger) Californians had no health insurance, four percent higher than the national average. According to the study, individuals who earned less were more likely to lack insurance and nearly one in five Californians with family incomes between $50,000-$75,000 lacked insurance.

“MedLion is doing what no other health care model does in California,” said Samir Qamar, M.D., who developed MedLion in Monterey in 2009. “We close the gap between government run, employer sponsored and uncompensated charity care by offering affordable, high-quality, direct primary medical care without the hassle of traditional HMOs.

Fresno employers will also benefit from the new MedLion practice. More than 16,000 small companies — those with less than 50 employees — operate in the metro area, and each could see significant cost savings when switching over to the MedLion direct primary care model.

“With the MedLion model in place and growing quickly, people now have more choices and greater control over their personal healthcare,” added Qamar “Our successful growth shows that Americans are desperately seeking options to high-cost health insurance plans, options that don’t require them to choose between paying the rent and taking care of their health.”

MedLion is currently in Monterey, San Francisco, Mountain View, Oakland and Fresno and hopes to have hundreds of practices nationwide in the next 10 years. MedLion offers direct primary care for only $59 a month—$39 for seniors and $19 for children—with $10 office visits.

For more information please visit www.MedLion.com or call (888) 880-0007.
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Yolo County and CMSP Governing Board Agree on Participation

Sacramento, Calif. (December 21, 2011) – The County Medical Services Program (CMSP) Governing Board announced today that it has accepted Yolo County’s request to join the County Medical Services Program and participate in Path2Health – a new Low Income Health Program made possible by the State of California’s Federal Medicaid “Bridge to Reform” Waiver. Yolo County’s membership will be effective July 1, 2012. In the mean time, the County and the Governing Board will work on implementation. This is the 35th county to join CMSP and Path2Health.

“We’re excited to have Yolo County join CMSP and Path2Health,” said Lee Kemper, Executive Director of the CMSP Governing Board. “Yolo County’s residents will benefit from this early stage of federal health care reform.”

Under the arrangement, the costs of Yolo County’s participation will be funded by county and federal matching funds. On November 22, 2011, Yolo County’s Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support a motion to join CMSP and Path2Health. The CMSP Governing Board approved the county’s participation on December 15, 2011. The state and federal governments will need to approve Yolo County’s participation in Path2Health.

By participating in CMSP and Path2Health, Yolo County will be able to expand coverage to more uninsured low income Yolo County adults. Eligible residents with incomes at or below 100 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $10,890 annually for a single person, will receive no-cost health coverage through Path2Health. This coverage will include medically necessary health care services, including primary care, emergency and hospital care, pharmacy services, and limited dental and vision care. It will also cover a set number of mental health and substance abuse counseling visits.

Other low income adults with incomes above 100 percent up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level will have coverage with a share of cost. At a minimum, the monthly share of cost will be about $300. In addition, limited emergency coverage will be available to low income adults who are undocumented.

“Joining CMSP will increase coverage and expand benefits for the lowest income residents in Yolo County. The county is very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in Path2Health and CMSP,” said Jill Cook, Yolo County Health Director.

The Yolo County Indigent Health Program (YCHIP) currently covers approximately 1,600 low-income residents. With participation in Path2Health and CMSP, an additional 1,600 Yolo County residents are expected to obtain coverage. By the end of 2013, it is projected 3,200 low income residents will have either Path2Health or CMSP coverage. Program costs in FY 2012-13 are estimated at $13.1 million, which includes $5.4 million in federal revenue and $7.7 million in funds from Yolo County.

Resources
Path2Health Logo
Map of Counties Served

About Path2Health

Path2Health is a Low Income Health Program (LIHP) sponsored by the County Medical Services Program (CMSP) Governing Board and authorized under California’s 1115 Medicaid Waiver, which allows counties or a group of counties to expand health coverage to low income persons up to 133% of the federal poverty level using local and federal funds. It will operate as a two-year pilot project until the federal Accountable Care Act (ACA) expands Medicaid for single low income adults in 2014. Path2Health will expand no-cost health care coverage in 34 rural counties to uninsured, low-income adults with incomes up to 100% of the federal poverty level. Over the two-year pilot project, up to 30,000 additional uninsured low income adults are expected to enroll. County and federal funds will support the coverage expansion.

About CMSP

The County Medical Services Program (CMSP) was established in January 1983, when California law transferred responsibility for providing health care services to medically indigent adults from the Medi-Cal program to counties. Smaller, mostly rural counties (populations below 300,000) were allowed to contract back with the State to provide health care services to the population. In 1995, California law was amended to establish the CMSP Governing Board, composed primarily of county officials, to govern and administer the CMSP program. CMSP is funded exclusively by Realignment revenue (motor vehicle license fees and sales tax) and limited county general revenue. The Governing Board operates CMSP under a services contract with each of the 34 member counties. The Governing contracts with Anthem Blue Cross and its subcontractors to administer CMSP medical, dental and vision benefits. The Governing Board contracts with MedImpact Health Systems, Inc., to deliver pharmacy benefits. More than 60,000 low income adults are currently enrolled in CMSP. For more information, go to http://cmspcounties.org.

About the CMSP Governing Board

The CMSP Governing Board, established by California law in 1995, is composed of ten county officials and one ex-officio representative of the Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. The Board is charged with overall program and fiscal responsibility for CMSP, which provides health coverage to indigent adults in 34 counties. The Board operates a small administrative office in Sacramento, California.
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