DATE:
March 3, 2026
01
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
SHERIFF - REQUEST APPROVAL FOR A SINGLE SOURCE CONTRACT WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE (AMERICHOICE) FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ORGANIZATION (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
The San Diego Sheriff's Office (Sheriff's Office) has a need for an administrative services organization (ASO) to support their Medical Services Division and seeks approval to negotiate with United HealthCare Services, Inc. (AmeriChoice) for the management of health care services provided to individuals in custody. Contracting with AmeriChoice will provide the Sheriff's Office with enhanced authority and flexibility to negotiate agreements with hospitals and health care organizations. AmeriChoice's established provider network and contracting expertise will enable the Sheriff's Office to negotiate more favorable rates with hospitals and specialty providers, improving cost control and access to care. This approach aligns with the County's strategic goals of improving health equity and fiscal sustainability by leveraging AmeriChoice's experience to streamline care coordination and reduce off-site medical costs. In addition to reducing expenditures, this approach will enhance fiscal oversight, improve operational control, and ensure continuity of high-quality care for individuals in custody.
Furthermore, the Sheriff's Office will ensure the following measures are implemented: provisions in all hospital contracts requiring participation in the Medi-Cal County Inmate Program (MCIP); renegotiation of outpatient emergency department rates; and the provision of case management services to coordinate hospital inpatient visits, discharge planning, and dispositions for cost-efficient step-down care, including skilled nursing facilities, long-term and acute care facilities. Some measures, such as participation in the Medi-Cal County Inmate Program (MCIP) are already in place. However, AmeriChoice will expand compliance efforts and renegotiate o...
Click here for full text