SUBJECT
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Approve the second amendment to the contract with We Care of Central Florida, Inc. (We Care) for referral and coordination of specialty care services to eligible low-income residents. (No fiscal impact)
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DESCRIPTION
We Care, a not-for-profit corporation, arranges volunteer specialty medical care, diagnostics, and vision/optical services for qualified Polk County residents who are uninsured or underinsured with a documented, serious medical condition that cannot be managed or treated by a primary care physician. Referral and coordination of specialty care is provided through a network of volunteer specialty care physicians.
We Care receives referrals for patients from free clinics and other community health and human service partners as well as self-referrals. Funds are used to financially support the operation costs required to manage and administer the We Care program, including but not limited to administrative staff salaries and benefits, subcontractor fees such as medical screenings, labs, x-rays, diagnostics, and other program operating costs.
Currently, the contract is effective through September 30, 2026. The first amendment increased funding and modified certain provisions of the contract. This second amendment extends the term of the contract for another two years from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028. Additionally, this amendment, amends contract language that currently restricts eligibility to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, and now states eligibility will align with the Florida Statutes and our County Ordinance as amended.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the second amendment to the contract with We Care for referral and coordination of specialty care services.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds are budgeted in the Indigent Health Care Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Joy Johnson, Administrator, Health and Human Services Division at 863-534-5204