Marin County

Barbara Lee Celebrates Landmark Hearing on Child Poverty

Published

5 years ago

March 5, 2020

On March 3, the House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee hosted a hearing on a study from the National Academy of Science titled “A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty.” This landmark study was commissioned by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) with support in 2016 from then-Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) and then-Chairman Tom Cole (OK-4) in the LHHSE Appropriations bill, as the first-ever federally funded study on child poverty. Released last year, the study outlines a number of policies that would be able to cut poverty in half over the next 10 years.

“It is a moral outrage that in the richest nation on Earth, there are still millions of children living in poverty. No parent should have to choose between keeping a roof over their child’s head and putting food on the table,” said Lee. “But for many children, especially children of color, systemic barriers keep them and their families trapped at the bottom of the economic ladder.

“As Chair of the Majority Leader’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity and as someone who was on food stamps and welfare when I was a single mom, I know just how important this hearing is today to help inform our work here in Congress. “A Roadmap to Reducing Child Poverty” outlines evidence-based, non-partisan policy recommendations that can cut our child poverty rate in half within 10 years. We know what work must be done to tackle child poverty once and for all. We just need the political will to do so.”

“Child poverty in America puts an immense physical toll and financial strain on our young people, our families, and our nation,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “Millions of children across this country go to bed hungry, wake up cold, grow up with less, and struggle in communities that provide few chances to succeed, to grow, to make mistakes without destroying lives.

“That is why we need to expand and strengthen the Child Tax Credit, as outlined in my bill with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, the “American Family Act.” And our Appropriations Subcommittee can address child poverty, as it provides some of the largest sums of discretionary funds in the Congress for the well-being of children—from early childhood programs and educational programs to labor programs that help connect people to the training and skills they need to make ends meet.

As members of Congress and of the Appropriations Committee, we will continue advancing policies that can help immensely and immediately,” DelBene said.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s press office created this report.

Courtesy of Office of Barbara Lee

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Related Topics:Barbara Lee Press Release

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Alameda County

Access Better Health with Medically Tailored Meals – Transforming Health Through Nutrition for Medi-Cal Patients

Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs. The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Published

4 days ago

October 29, 2024

Oakland Post

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The program’s success in improving health outcomes and reducing costly emergency room visits encouraged the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to expand the Medically Tailored Meals program to all 58 counties through Medi-Cal transformation and a new set of services called Community Supports.

Medically Tailored Meals are one of 14 new services offered through Medi-Cal that provide members with access to new and improved services to get well-rounded care that goes beyond the doctor’s office or hospital.

Medically Tailored Meals: Overview

Malnutrition and poor nutrition can lead to severe health outcomes, especially among Medi-Cal patients with chronic health conditions. Medically Tailored Meals aim to improve health outcomes, reduce hospital readmissions, and enhance patient satisfaction by providing essential nutrition.

Key Features:

Post-Discharge Delivery: Meals are delivered to patients’ homes immediately following discharge from a hospital or nursing home.
Customized Nutrition: Meals are tailored to meet the dietary needs of those with chronic diseases, designed by registered dietitians (RD) or certified nutrition professionals based on evidence-based guidelines.
Comprehensive Services: Includes medically tailored groceries, healthy food vouchers, and food pharmacies.
Educational Support: Behavioral, cooking, and nutrition education is included when paired with direct food assistance.

Key Benefits:

Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.

Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.

Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.

Patient Testimonial:

“My diabetes has gotten better with the meals. I’ve kept my weight down, and I feel much better now than I have in a long time. I’m one of the people this program is meant for.” — Brett

Eligibility:

Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.

Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.

Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:

Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.

Project Open Hand: A Success Story

Project Open Hand has been a leader in providing Medically Tailored Meals, significantly impacting the lives of Bay Area Medi-Cal patients with chronic illnesses. Since its inception, Project Open Hand has delivered nutritious meals to individuals with diabetes, HIV, and other serious health conditions, demonstrating remarkable health improvements and cost savings.

Key Achievements:

Improved Health Outcomes: Project Open Hand’s research found a 50% increase in medication adherence among recipients of Medically Tailored Meals.

Reduced Hospitalizations: Their program showed a 63% reduction in hospitalizations for patients with diabetes and HIV.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients reported better health and increased energy levels.

Project Open Hand ensures that each meal is prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of its clients. By partnering with Medi-Cal managed care plans, Project Open Hand continues to provide life-saving nutrition to those who need it most.

Join Us in Our Mission

You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.

Learn More

For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.

In Alameda County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

* Alameda Alliance for Health: 510-747-4567

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Contra Costa County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Contra Costa Health Plan: 877-661-6230

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Marin County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Solano County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
* Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

* Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today, and take the first step toward a healthier you.

Oakland Post

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Bay Area

Marin County Seeks Input on Community Needs from Marin City, San Rafael Residents

You can make a difference. Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

The community meeting for Marin City will be held at the Marguerita C. Johnson Senior Center at 640 Drake Ave. in Marin City, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by Performing Stars.

By Godfrey Lee

You can make a difference.

Please spend a few minutes to take the Marin County Housing & Community Needs Survey @ surveymonkey.com/r/marincountyconplan, or go to the www.marincounty.gov/conplan2025 website, and share your ideas on what Marin County’s priorities should be for the next five years.

There will also be two community meetings where you can also share your ideas and concerns.

The community meeting for San Rafael will be held at the San Rafael Community Center at 618 B St. in San Rafael, on Monday Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The meeting will be attended by the Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.

Food and Spanish translation services will be provided at all meetings. Childcare is available upon request.

Oakland Post

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Bay Area

Home Repair Services for Low-Income Marin County Homeowners

Habitat Greater San Francisco (HGSF) is offering major home repair and improvement services for low-income homeowners in Marin County. HGSF is a non-profit, licensed general contractor who has repaired over 200 homes since 2011 in communities across our region. They focus on repairs that address safety, accessibility, and health, such as roof repair/replacement, siding repair/replacement, window repair/replacement, accessibility upgrades, electrical repairs, and plumbing repairs. They are also a trusted mortgage lender providing opportunities for low-income homeowners in the Bay Area for 35 years.

Published

2 weeks ago

October 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Learn more about how to apply for the interest loan by calling 415-625-1036 or visit habitatgsf.org/marinhomerepairs. More information can also be found at the Marin City Free Library, 164 Donahue St. in Marin City.

By Godfrey Lee

Habitat Greater San Francisco (HGSF) is offering major home repair and improvement services for low-income homeowners in Marin County.

HGSF is a non-profit, licensed general contractor who has repaired over 200 homes since 2011 in communities across our region. They focus on repairs that address safety, accessibility, and health, such as roof repair/replacement, siding repair/replacement, window repair/replacement, accessibility upgrades, electrical repairs, and plumbing repairs. They are also a trusted mortgage lender providing opportunities for low-income homeowners in the Bay Area for 35 years.

Qualified applicants will have their property assessed to determine eligible repairs. If you qualify financially and have qualifying repairs, HGSF will offer you a low 2% interest loan, in order to fund your repairs, that can be paid over time or defer all payments for 30 years or until the home is sold. Loan amounts between $25,000 to $75,000 are available for home repair and improvement needs.

Maximum Household Income Requirements

Household size is determined by the number of people (children and adults) who have been living in the home for at least a full year, and plan on continuing to live in the home full time, for at least another year.

Total household income is determined by the combined income of all full-time household members, over 18 years old.

If there is one person in the household, then the Maximum Household Income is $109,700; for two people it is $125,350; for three people it is $141,000; for four people is $156,650, for five people is $169,200, for six people is $181,750, for seven people is $194,250, and for eight people is $206,800.

Applicants can be assisted over the phone and by appointment. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Mail or return completed applications to: 300 Montgomery St., Suite 450, San Francisco, CA 94104. Or email applications to: homerepairs@habitatgsf.org.

This program is made possible with support from the County of Marin’s Community Development Block Grant program.