Health and the Medical Center

STAFF: Dolores Heredia, Don Sandford

GUEST(S): Valerie Goldstein (WCHD)

The meeting commenced at 1:30 PM.

The Committee discussed upcoming meetings (refer to Committee Agenda for dates and future discussion items).

Next, the Committee discussed the minutes of February 4, 1997. Leg. La Motte moved to accept, seconded by Leg. Swanson. All in favor [4-0].

Next, Leg. Stewart-Cousins discussed Medicaid. This is an important topic for her and the Committee. The Committee agreed to invite Commissioner Stolzenberg to discuss the state of Medicaid and its impact. Leg. Stewart-Cousins will draw up a resolution on this topic.

Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 2, a citizens communication, of Heritage Hills, requesting assistance in obtaining a pool permit. Leg. Stewart Cousins shared with the Committee correspondence she received from the Administration. Leg. Stewart-Cousins will forward a letter and the Administration’s correspondence to citizen Mr. Louzan.

Next, the Committee discussed Agenda item number 7, the 1995 Audit of POMCO’s Health Benefit Claims Administration Program. Leg. Swanson will inquire with Mr. Bob Boland as to whether this item is resolved. If so, the Committee will receive and file.

Next, the Committee discussed agenda item number 14, an "Action Alert" from Child Health Plus. Leg. Stewart-Cousins briefly discussed that there is a co-payment fee and families with more than one child find this fee burdensome. Leg. Stewart-Cousins will phone Lindsey Farrell to acquire further information on this issue.

Next, the Committee discussed Lyme disease and the $48,600 appropriation for Lyme disease. The Committee agreed to draw up a letter which will be presented in conjunction with the Co-Chairs of Budget and Appropriations.

Finally, the Committee discussed the possibility of joining in the lawsuit against tobacco companies. Leg. Stewart-Cousins disagrees with the connection between "public dollars" and "the poor". Leg. Stewart-Cousins suggested that if the issue at hand is "public dollars" then the County employees, who are recipients of public dollars and who are also susceptible to cancer is a better argument. The committee discussed broadening the issue of the argument. The Committee will ask Mr. Aldo Vitagliano to being research.

Leg. Swanson motioned to adjourn, seconded by Leg. La Motte. The meeting ended at 2:25 PM.