HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/2021 - MinutesCITY OF RENTON
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS & FIREFIGHTERS DISABILITY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
May 25, 2021 – 9:00 a.m.
Video Conference (Zoom meeting)
Attendees: Russ Olson, James Matthew, Jim Phelan, Valerie O’Halloran, Ed
Prince, Wendy Rittereiser, Alex Tuttle, and Erika Eddins
CALL TO ORDER
Jim Phelan called the meeting to order at 09:00 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Jim Matthew moved to approve the April 27, 2021 meeting minutes, and Russ
Olson seconded. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
5417 – Report back to Board on Long Term Care/Assisted Living increase -
At the April 27, 2021 meeting, the Board had approved an increase to long term
care expenses after staff review of pending documentation supporting medical
necessity. The retiree passed away three days later, and the pending documents
were not received.
Ed Prince moved, and Russ Olson seconded, approval to cover necessary long
term care expense the retiree incurred prior to his passing without staff having
to ask for additional documentation of medical necessity. Motion carried.
1018 – Clarification on intent from April 27, 2021 Board meeting regarding
initial diagnostic testing expenses received as part of the original claim; and
review appeal received on the Board’s denial of expenses incurred as a result
of extranational surgery -
Jim Phelan asked for clarification on the intent of the Board from the April 27,
2021 meeting regarding denial of expenses already incurred for diagnostic
testing. It was clarified that all expenses were denied including the diagnostic
testing and pending surgeries.
The board reviewed and discussed the appeal received for spinal surgery that
was performed on May 1, 2021, and the related expenses. The appeal claim
included a letter from the doctors in Mexico who performed the surgery and
invoices and receipts for medical services and prescriptions filled prior to and
after the surgery.
The retiree elected to have the spinal surgery feeling it was urgent to be done
prior to him traveling home to the U.S. based on advice of his doctor. Wendy
stated the services do not meet the threshold of emergency under the HMA
LEOFF Board
Jim Phelan
Member at Large
Chair)
Ed Prince
Council Member
Valerie O’Halloran
Council Member
James Matthew
Fire and Emergency
Services
Russ Olson
Police
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LEOFF – Disability Board
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 25, 2021
insurance plan. Insurance does not cover expenses for non-U.S. providers, unless
it is an emergency.
Russ Olson asked if the retiree was informed of the Board’s denial of all expenses
after the April 27th meeting. Erika Eddins confirmed that the retiree was notified
on April 27, 2021, after the meeting earlier that day.
Russ Olson moved, and Valerie O’Halloran seconded, to approve reimbursement
of all expenses incurred prior to May 1, 2021, and to deny reimbursement of the
spinal surgery and all expenses incurred on or after May 1, 2021. Motion
carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Introduction of Alex Tuttle – Wendy informed the Board that Sr. Assistant City
Attorney Leslie Clark has left the City and introduced Assistant City Attorney Alex
Tuttle. Alex is taking on many of Leslie’s previous duties including attendance at
the LEOFF Board meetings.
6764 – Heading aid reimbursement request - It was explained to the Board
that the retiree had purchased a set of hearing aids from Costco on 2/22/2017,
which stopped working and were out of warranty and unrepairable. The member
purchased a new set on May 3, 2021, from a different provider. Reimbursement
is being sought for purchase of hearing aids prior to the 5 years replacement
window allowed under HMA insurance.
Wendy Rittereiser stated the HMA insurance plan could be amended to allow
hearing aid replacement at a more frequent interval, such as 3 or 4 years, or due
to technical difficulties with the units. The Board briefly discussed this and would
like more information on what other insurance plans are doing. Wendy will ask
the insurance broker to research this and will report back at the next meeting.
Russ Olson moved, and Ed Prince seconded, approval for reimbursement for the
hearing aid purchase within the 5-year replacement window. Motion carried.
8323 – Increase currently approved monthly amount for Long Term
Care/Assisted Living – Requesting an increase in monthly reimbursement for
long term care home health services due to an increase in the hourly rate
charged by the provider. The Board had previously approved a monthly amount
of $7,776.00. The new request is for $8,512.00 per month.
Jim Phelan asked if the hourly rate increase is appropriate in the market for eight
hours a day five days a week. Wendy explained that the hourly rate is high, but
the price is comparable for in home care and is less expensive than in-patient
assisted living facility.
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LEOFF – Disability Board
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 25, 2021
Valerie O’Halloran moved, and Russ Olson seconded, to allow up to $8,512.00 a
month for the increase in long term care home healthcare costs. Motion carried.
COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Russ Olson moved, and Valerie O’Halloran seconded to adjourn. Motion carried.
Jim Phelan closed the meeting at 09:36 a.m.
August 24, 2021