By Cris Alarcon, InEDC
March 16, 2025
PLACERVILLE, Calif. — The El Dorado County Grand Jury has released a report highlighting significant staffing shortages and compensation disparities within the county’s Medi-Cal program, administered by the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA).
The investigation was prompted by complaints from clients experiencing delays in service and difficulties transitioning to other health plans. The Grand Jury identified four primary concerns:
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Post-Pandemic Enrollment Surge: The expiration of the Continuous Enrollment clause (2020-2023), a state-mandated policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, led to an overwhelming number of enrollment updates for staff.
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Salary Disparities: Eligibility Specialists in El Dorado County earn less than their counterparts in neighboring counties. Specifically, Eligibility Specialist I positions average $43,822 annually in El Dorado County, compared to $46,978 in Placer County. Eligibility Specialist II roles average $49,843 in El Dorado, while Placer County offers $61,808 for similar positions.
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Lack of Performance Metrics: The HHSA lacks systems to evaluate staff productivity and turnover rates, hindering effective workforce management.
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Training Program Challenges: The six-month training program for new Eligibility Specialists has a completion rate of approximately 50%, exacerbating staffing shortages.
The Grand Jury recommends that El Dorado County urgently reassess and enhance compensation packages for HHSA Eligibility Specialists to remain competitive with neighboring counties. Additionally, the development and implementation of metrics to evaluate staff productivity and turnover are advised.
The HHSA operates three Medi-Cal support locations in South Lake Tahoe, Placerville, and Shingle Springs. In contrast, neighboring Sacramento County has six locations, attracting experienced employees from El Dorado County’s western regions.
The Grand Jury’s findings underscore the need for strategic improvements to ensure timely and effective services for Medi-Cal beneficiaries in El Dorado County.
For more information, visit the El Dorado County Grand Jury’s official website.
