City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
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Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution for Affordable and Attainable Health Care in the City of Alexandria. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
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ISSUE: Consideration of Adoption of a Resolution for Affordable and Attainable Health Care in the City of Alexandria.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the attached resolution regarding Affordable and Attainable Health Care in the City of Alexandria.
BACKGROUND: The City of Alexandria's Strategic Plan for 2017 to 2022 states that the City will "work to reduce inequities in the health system, increase access to care for all residents, and provide a system of support for residents with behavioral health needs." Both the Alexandria Public Health Advisory Commission, in its 2015 and 2016 annual reports, and the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria, in its Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for the City, also cite increased access to health care services as a key factor in ensuring healthy residents. In advance of any possible changes in access to affordable health care at the state and federal level, the Public Health Advisory Commission is seeking formal adoption of a resolution on this topic by the Alexandria City Council.
DISCUSSION: Changes in health care policy at the federal, state, regional, or local level have the potential to substantially affect the number of uninsured or underserved in Alexandria. 18.6% of Alexandrians, including approximately 31% of Alexandria's children, rely in whole or in part on state or federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare for health coverage assistance; and approximately 6% of Alexandrians under age 65 are Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange enrollees who benefit from ACA provisions such as required es...
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