The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss critical funding agreements aimed at enhancing health insurance counseling and employment support for the city's vulnerable populations. The meeting focused on two main agenda items: a new grant agreement with Self Help for the Elderly and a modification of an existing grant with Felton Institute.

The first item, presented by Erica Maybaum, sought authorization for a new grant agreement with Self Help for the Elderly to provide the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) and implement the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPA). The proposed funding amounts to $2,145,367, with a 10% contingency, bringing the total to $2,359,903 for the period from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2028. Maybaum emphasized the importance of these programs for individuals nearing Medicare eligibility, highlighting their role in providing accurate information on Medicare benefits and assisting low-income populations with enrollment in subsidies and savings plans.

Commissioners raised questions regarding the outreach and accessibility of services, particularly the locations where counseling would be offered. Maybaum assured the commission that services would be available at multiple outstation locations throughout the city, and she committed to providing detailed information on these sites.

Following a brief public comment period with no callers, the commission unanimously approved the grant agreement with Self Help for the Elderly.

The second agenda item involved a request to modify the existing grant agreement with Felton Institute for the provision of employment navigation and benefit support. Xi Quinn Lee presented this item, requesting an additional $542,327 to extend the program, known as Benefits to Work, for two more years. This initiative aims to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities in navigating the complexities of government benefits while seeking employment. Lee reported positive outcomes from the program, including high satisfaction rates among participants who felt better informed about the interaction between employment income and benefits.

The commission expressed support for the extension of the Felton Institute grant, recognizing the program's significant impact on reducing barriers to employment for its target populations.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing support services for its aging and disabled residents, ensuring they have access to essential health and employment resources. The approved agreements will facilitate continued outreach and assistance, fostering greater community engagement and empowerment.