December 12, 2024 HSB Regular Board Meeting

An appeal is when you ask for a decision to be reviewed and reconsidered. If members think there was a mistake in handling their or their family’s eligibility for SFHSS health benefits, they can file an appeal for the Board to review. The SFHSS Rules explain how to send an appeal to SFHSS and then the Board. Member appeals are confidential and not open to the public.

No public documents

Meeting minutes are a summary of what was discussed during a meeting. They cover the questions asked by the board members, how each member voted, and any comments made by attendees.

The President can discuss important topics with the Board. This report may cover health topics, any concerns the Board should discuss, and/or remind Board members to finish their assigned tasks.

No written report this month.

The director’s report provides the Health Service Board with updates on current department projects and programs. The report may share healthcare news. The report will announce new staff at SFHSS.

The finance report gives updates on the department budget. The report tracks the monthly spending in the three accounts we manage. The department must have an auditor review how it uses money in the budgets. The report will list any reviews and when they are complete.

Retirees will have the Blue Shield of California MAPD PPO plan starting January 1, 2025. This presentation explains how SFHSS and Blue Shield of California will help members switch to the new plan.

All employees can sign up for benefits for the next year during open enrollment. This report tells how the process went this year and what SFHSS did so members could enroll.

The Health Service Board has clear roles and responsibilities. The Board policies outline what the Board is responsible for and are based on the City Charter and Administrative Code. This presentation is about changing one of the policies.

A Cafeteria Plan is a benefit program under IRS Code Section 125. It lets employees choose between getting their full paycheck or using part of it for certain benefits before taxes are taken out. This helps employees save money by reducing their taxable income. The Health Service Board reviews and approves the changes for the next year.

The San Francisco Health Service System Rules (SFHSS Rules) provide guidelines for managing health benefits for eligible members and their families. These rules, based on local, state, and federal laws, explain who can get benefits, how to enroll, and what coverage is offered. They also include steps for handling appeals and ensuring the rules are followed. The goal is to make health benefits fair, clear, and easy to manage.

Each year, the Board evaluates the qualitative aspects of Executive Directors' performance for the past year. The Board looks at five areas of work. Before giving the evaluation, the board can edit or add to it.

Each year, the Board reviews its performance. Board members can look at how the Board worked over the past year and suggest ways to improve. Before giving the evaluation, the board can edit or add to it.

Remote Meeting Access (WebEx)

Watch at 1:00 pm on December 12, 2024 (SFGovTV schedule)

Click the link to join the meeting - December 12, 2024 HSB Regular Meeting Link

Public Comment Call-In: 415-655-0001 / Access Code: 2661 774 9489

Providing Public Comment: 

Listening to the meeting via phone

1. Dial into 415-655-0001 and then enter access code 2661 774 9489#, then # again
2. Press *3 to enter the Public Comment queue, and you will hear the prompt, “You have raised your hand to ask a question; please wait to speak until the host calls on you.” When the system message says, “Your line has been unmuted,” - THIS IS YOUR TIME TO SPEAK.
3. You will be muted when your time to speak has expired.

Watching the meeting on WebEx

1. Join via hyperlink December 12, 2024 HSB Regular Meeting WebEx link
2. Webinar Password: 1145
3. Click on the Raise Hand Icon to be placed in the queue to speak. A raised hand will appear next to your name. When you are unmuted in the system, a request to unmute will appear on your screen, please select unmute to speak.
4. When you are unmuted in the system, a request to unmute will appear on your screen, please select unmute to speak. Once you hear me say “Welcome Caller,” you can begin speaking.
5. When your time has expired, you will be muted. Please click on the Raise Hand Icon to lower your hand.

Members of the public are encouraged to state their name clearly, although you may remain anonymous. You will hear an audible warning when you have 30 seconds remaining. When your 3 minutes have ended, you will be placed back on mute.

Best Practices when calling in for Public Comment:

•    Call from a quiet location
•    Speak slowly and clearly
•    Turn down any televisions or radios around you
•    Address the Commission as a whole, do not address individual Commissioners

Written Public Comment

Persons unable to attend the meeting may submit written public comments regarding an agenda item. These comments will be made part of the official public record and shall be brought to the attention of the Health Service Board. Written public comments expected to be part of the official record should be submitted to the Board email, health.service.board@sfgov.org, and received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, before the meeting. Members can also call 628-652-4646 with any questions.

All comments received by the deadline will be forwarded to Board members, and the Board Secretary will note on the record during the specific agenda item that the Board received written public comment on that item and will include that note in the meeting minutes. In the body of your email, indicate the meeting date and the particular agenda item number. If you do not specify an agenda item, your emailed public comment will be read under general comment.

Questions or comments regarding this meeting or board materials should be directed to: 
Board Secretary
c/o San Francisco Health Service System 
1145 Market Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
email: health.service.board@sfgov.org
phone: 628-652-4646