HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/2021 - Minutes
CITY OF RENTON
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS & FIREFIGHTERS DISABILITY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
September 28, 2021 – 9:00 a.m.
Video Conference (Zoom meeting)
Attendees: James Matthew, Jim Phelan, Valerie O’Halloran, Wendy Rittereiser,
and Erika Eddins
CALL TO ORDER
Jim Phelan called the meeting to order at 09:01 a.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Jim Matthew moved to approve the August 24, 2021, meeting minutes and
Valerie O’Halloran seconded. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Hearing Aid Benefit Design – The Board was informed that the City’s active
health plan employee leadership voted to allow hearing aid replacement every
three years at a maximum benefit level of $4000. Wendy Rittereiser explained
hearing aids are getting less expensive and don’t last as long. HMA and our
broker recommend, based on common practice, that the LEOFF Board allow
hearing aid replacement every three years with a maximum benefit of $4000.
The current hearing aid benefit level under the LEOFF 1 HMA plan is $5600 every
5 years. There was discussion on the benefit level timing and maximum dollar
amount.
Valarie O’Halloran moved to align the retiree hearing aid benefit with the benefit
for active employees. Motion died for lack of a second.
Russ Olson moved, and Jim Matthew seconded, to amend the LEOFF 1 HMA plan
to allow hearing aid replacement every three years and keep the current
$5600.00 maximum benefit level. Motion carried
#8323 – Pending transition from current in-home care to skilled nursing home –
Status update from August 24, 2021, meeting. Medical necessity documentation
and related cost estimate for nursing home care was received and reviewed by
staff. Costs were within the average for comparable services and the member
was notified of approval. Review of proper facility State licensing was confirmed
by staff.
#7408 – Request for increase in-home health care hours -
Status update from August 24, 2021, meeting. Pricing was received for the
additional requested in-home care hours and reviewed by staff. Costs were
within the average for comparable services and the member was notified of
approval.
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
Page 2
LEOFF – Disability Board
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 28, 2021
NEW BUSINESS
#6311 - Member seeking approval for Acoustic Wave Therapy -
The LEOFF Board reviewed and discussed member’s request for treatment of
erectile dysfunction (ED) with Acoustic Wave Therapy. This type of service is not
covered by insurance.
Russ Olson moved, and Jim Matthew seconded, to not approve this request
citing more information supporting the medical necessity of the treatment is
needed from the member’s medical provider. Motion carried.
COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Election and Appointments for LEOFF Board terms expiring December 31, 2021
- Erika informed the Board that the Fire Position and one Council position expire
at the end of this year. The nomination and election process for the Fire position
has started and the mayor’s office has reappointed Valerie O’Halloran to the
Council position for a two-year term.
ADJOURNMENT
Jim Matthew moved, and Valerie O’Halloran seconded to adjourn. Motion
carried. Jim Phelan closed the meeting at 09:26 a.m.
November 23, 2021