Executive Director's October's 2024 Message

Every year, October is the busiest month at the San Francisco Health Service System, because we host Open Enrollment. This is your opportunity to review your benefits and make any changes you need to have the best care possible.

When I was growing up on my family farm in Maryland. My family doctor, Dr. White, lived nearby. My dad was a veterinarian, and he would barter our veterinary services for his farm animals in exchange for medical care for our family. Times have changed a lot since then. While the barter system was wonderful and economical for my family, it didn’t give us a lot of options on which providers to see.

As an SFHSS member, we have several plans for you to choose from, including HMOs and PPOs, which cover almost every single doctor. I have been with my current primary care doctor for more than a decade. I was referred to him by my retiring Primary Care Physician (PCP). He is my trusted health advisor. When you have that kind of relationship with your doctor, you would rather switch health plans than change doctors. Fortunately, most physicians take one or more of our health insurance plans, especially those that accept Medicare. Kaiser Permanente is a fully integrated system, and members are required to see providers within that system. There are some amazing doctors who work tirelessly to care for the health of their patients. Find a doctor who can be your lifelong trusted advisor for your health. I’m certain we have a health plan that they will accept.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it is a great reminder for women to get their breast exam and schedule a mammogram if eligible. Early detection is key, so please encourage all the women in your lives to get their annual screenings. I cannot stress the importance of getting your annual exams. This is also your opportunity to discuss changes to your body, such as perimenopause and menopause. These changes can affect your sleep, lead to weight gain, and even cause depression, so it’s important to talk to your doctor, who can help you navigate through these changes. Menopause has been a hushed topic for far too long, and I hope we can support each other more openly through these changes.

If you don’t have a trusted doctor advisor to discuss difficult or uncomfortable health issues with, then now is the time to switch health plans during Open Enrollment and find a doctor you trust. Don’t let this opportunity slip by, make your elections now.

Be well,

Abbie Yant, MA, RN