SAC MIN 1998-10-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Senior Affairs Commission Page 2 Minutes of Thursday, October 8, 1998 Ethel Walter of 125 Chestnut Street, San Carlos said she thought there was going to be representatives from the insurance companies in attendance. Chairperson Walsh explained the Commission was interested in hearing from the public and gathering information about what was happening and that the insurance companies had not been invited to attend. Marianne Mannia of Woodside spoke regarding developing an advocacy effort with other seniors in San Mateo County and joining with the Commission in getting the message out to all seniors. She suggested speaking with our legislators about this crisis. Ernest Grosh of HICAP announced that HICAP is an excellent resource to get insurance questions answered but that at this time, HICAP does not have all the facts. He said HICAP would disseminate all information as soon as it was given the necessary facts. He explained that the hospitals are separate from the local health clinics and that doctors do not make direct contact with insurance providers such as Aetna. The doctors sign up with different medical groups such as IPA who make direct contracts with Aetna. A member of the audience noted that he was advised that Aetna will be sending out further information on November 15. Manager Linda Griffith announced the HMO Awareness Day to be held on November 6 from 9am- 12noon at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center. Chairperson Walsh suggested writing letters to the President of Aetna and the Chairperson of the Sequoia Medical Clinic regarding the recent change in dropping Aetna senior coverage. M/S Walsh/Moran: To write letters to the President of Aetna and the Chairperson of the Sequoia Medical Clinic concerning dropping Aetna senior coverage effective 1-1-99. Motion passed. Chairperson Walsh suggested notifying our City Council of this potential community problem. M/S Walsh/Moran: To send a letter to our local representatives of Congress, the Senate, and the City Council to communicate the Commission's concern on this issue, and to ask to be put on the agenda of the City Council. Motion passed. ITEM 2 — WORKPLAN UPDATES -Luncheon and Speaker Program 11-19-98 Chairperson Walsh reported that the next luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 19 at Sneakers Pub of Redwood City and newspaper publisher Ted Fang will be our guest speaker. Superintendent Centeno shared the front page coverage from the Redwood City Tribune that the Commission received on its last luncheon. Invitations to the luncheon will be mailed out with all pertinent information.