Hello Lactnetters;
I request that letter writers put fingers to work and protest the inclusion
of a "Welcome Edition Club" in services offered by Foundation Health to
Medi-cal managed care patients. In California Foundation Health was awarded
contracts to provide Medi-cal Managed Care in four counties ( Los Angeles,
Fresno, Tulare and contra Costa) In their plans submitted to Calif. Department
of Health Services in response to the Medi-cal Managed Care Request For
Application, they mention plans of the club and partnership with Ross Labs.
Welcome edition Club" Members receive various gifts and coupons, including a
free teddy bear and monthly newsletter. The gifts include FREE FORMULA and
coupons for discounted and free formula. As I understand it , Ross ships club
members one free case of formula unless they reside in a zip-code designated to
be low-income, in which case only mailed 1 free can.
I ask that letters objecting to these plans be addressed and sent ASAP to:
S. Kimberly Belshe, Director
Department of Health Services
714 P Street, #1253
Sacramento, CA 95814
Send copies to:
Dr. Mary Fermazin, Chief
Medi-Cal Managed Care Division
Department of Health Services
714 P Street Sacramento, CA 9814
Phyllis Bramson-Paul
Chief, WIC Branch
Department of Heath Services
700 No. 10th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
It's important to specifically ask to explicitly prohibit ABM companies from
engaging in any activity, promotions, or commercial partnerships that allow them
to market to Medi-cal enrolless. Also ask that this policy by promulgated BEFORE
Foundation begins operations in any of the 4 counties for which it is contracted
to operate. In letter offer your support for any draft revisions that also
provide BF Education and training to providers employed in plan, and lactation
education and services to enrollees (WIC has drafted such a revision). It would
be helpful to have letters from doctors, nurses others who work in managed care
as well as from and individuals or breastfeeding coalitions that reside or are
active in the four geopraphic areas. Offer your services in providing lactation
services in those areas.
I give my permission for a fellow lactnetter to post-this message on the BF
advocacy page. thank you
Jeannette Newman-Velez, R.D.,M.P.H., I.B.C.L.C
YWCA WIC Program, Sacramento
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