SFHSS director urges vaccination, flags unauthorized-communications period ahead of Medicare RFI

Executive Director Abby Yant used her director's report to press public-health priorities and outline administrative steps ahead of the Medicare Advantage procurement process.

Yant emphasized COVID-19 vaccination as the system’s primary prevention tool: "the vaccine is still our best way out of this predicament," she told commissioners, and noted that a city policy makes vaccination a condition of employment starting Nov. 1 for many departments. She also updated the board on racial equity planning, ongoing pharmacy-pricing work and state engagement on an all-payers claims database.

On procurement protocol tied to the Medicare Advantage planning, Yant announced a notice establishing a period of unauthorized communications and other prohibitions so the system can responsibly conduct an RFI/RFP. She said staff will publish a list of vendors named for contact restrictions and will update the list as necessary.

Yant also reported operational matters: ongoing contract monitoring (including a Delta Dental update later on the agenda), fiduciary-training follow-ups and preparations for open enrollment. She answered commissioners’ questions about employee assistance program (EAP) utilization, member outreach, and how vaccination and booster guidance will be relayed.

Ending: Yant concluded with an invitation to commissioners to contact staff with follow-up questions and to await further updates as state/federal guidance and vendor processes evolve.