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