The Social Services Division manages the Health Care Assistance Program, which supports access to health care programs and services and may provide behavioral health carecoverage forlow income residents of the community, in addition to managinghealth care needs of detainees.The Division manages social services contracts with half a dozen agencies who provide a wide range of programming for families, youth, and seniors throughout the community. Lastly, the Division coordinates the work of the Los Alamos Community Health Council and supports the work of thelocal DWI Council, both of which hold monthly public meetings. For more information, please call 505-662-8068.
Health Care Assistance Program
The Los Alamos County Health Care Assistance Program (HCAP)is funded by local gross receipts tax and administered by the Los Alamos County Council. Effective July 1, 2014HCAP covers behavioral health services that are not already covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or affordable health insurance under the New Mexico Health Insurance Exchange. HCAP reimburses contracted behavioral health providers for services rendered to county residents who meet low income guidelines, including mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment.
As of July 1, 2014, New Mexico State has taken a direct role in funding local hospitals to cover medical services. As a result, HCAP no longer covers such services, like surgeries or primary care visits. HCAP does not cover dental, vision or hospice services at this time. Staff may be able to assist you with navigating health care programs, such as Medicaid. If assistance is required please contact 505-662-8068.
To qualify you mustbe a resident of Los Alamos County for at least 90 days and receive an income at or below 225% of HHS 2016 Poverty Guidelines. Single applicants may not have more than $5,000 in liquid assets, and family applicants may not have more than $10,000 in liquid assets.
Social Services Division Councils
The Social Services Division coordinates regular meetings of the Los Alamos Community Health Council (LACHC). LACHCmembership includes local social services providers, business representatives, government agencies, and other interested parties.LACHC members focus onworking together to help improve the lives of Older Adults, those in Financial Crisis, and At-Risk Youth and Families. The Los Alamos County Council informally recognizes LACHC as its community health planning bodyand designatesa councilor each year to attend LACHC meetings.Every two years or so,LACHC conducts a Community Needs Assessment,which helps to guide the County in making decisions about such items as indigent health care, mental health services provided, at-risk or underserved populations, and much more. To obtain a copy of the 2015 report, please click link. For questions, please contact the Division at 505-662-8068.
LACHC typically holds public meetingson the first Thursday of each month, from noon until 1:30 p.m.,in Room 330 at the Los Alamos CountyMunicipal Building, located at 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM 87544. For more information, please call 505-662-8068.
The local DWI Planning Council conducts public meetings that are typically held on the second Thursday of each month, from 8:30-10:00 a.m., in Room 110 of the Municipal Building located at 1000 Central Avenue, Los Alamos. For more information, please contact DWI PC Coordinator, Kirsten Bell at 505-662-8241.