Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Subject: Direction to San Mateo County Health to Accept Private Health Insurance at the Coastside Clinic
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution directing San Mateo County Health, in consultation with the County Executive's Office, County Attorney, and other appropriate County departments, to within 90 days prepare an implementation roadmap to:
Enable the Coastside Health Center to contract with and accept commercial health insurance plans, including potential partnerships with private healthcare providers, while maintaining access for Medi-Cal, Medicare, uninsured, and underinsured patients; and
Provide for a local laboratory specimen collection program accessible to Coastside residents regardless of insurance type, including patients whose treating clinicians practice outside the County health system.
body
BACKGROUND:
Reliable, timely access to healthcare and laboratory services remains a significant concern for Coastside residents. Many residents currently must travel to the Bayside for routine blood draws, diagnostic testing, medication-related laboratory monitoring, follow-up appointments, and other healthcare services.
This travel requirement creates a substantial access barrier, particularly for older adults, persons with disabilities, residents without personal vehicles, and individuals who rely on public transit, paratransit, shuttle services, family members, or caregivers for transportation. Traffic congestion and weather-related conditions on Highways 1, 92, and 84 may further delay or prevent access to necessary medical services. These barriers can be particularly consequential for individuals managing chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, thyroid disorders, anticoagulation needs, and other conditions requiring periodic laboratory m...
Click here for full text