Hearing Rights Pamphlet

Responding to what I received at the bottom as a reponse to my inquiry to Assemblyman Chesbro about receiving the "Hearing Rights" pamphet quarterly for every one in my family.

Dear Ms. Moss,

After reviewing how my representatives voted (Senator Wiggins and Assemblyman Chesbro), I am not to positive they considered other cost saving initiatives that the State of California could do to appropriately use pubic funds.

My original inquiry about the "Hearing Rights" pamphlet mailed out quarterly to individuals receiving Medi-Cal was an attempt to look at a part of waste our Government does every day in doing business.

I understand that this came about because of a lawsuit, referencing "Jackson vs Rank" that required this to all those receiving Medi-Cal.

What I don't understand is why it is sent to every member of a family, even a child that can not read, or even understand what the pamphlet is for. This is a waste, and I can't believe the intent of the lawsuit was that every recipient of Medi-Cal was to get this, especially a child.

On top this, every time an individual visits a social services office you are handed a group of pamphlets with the same information - You visit the office a couple times a month, you get the same information, and then,it is even mailed to your home after you have been approved or denied services.

What is the cost for this?

This is one thing that needs to be reviewed. If our State Government is truly concerned about costs and receiving a valued use of public funds, the "Jackson vs Rank Lawsuit" needs to be revisited.

I hope that my two State Representatives consider this as a goal in actually saving our State money in how business is conducted.

You folks have a great day!

Charles L. Bean

From: "Gail.Moss@asm.ca.gov" To: charles.bean@yahoo.comSent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:00:50 PMSubject: From the office of Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro

Dear Mr. Bean:

I apologize for the delay in obtaining an "official" response with regard to your inquiry regarding the quarterly insert sent on behalf of Medi-Cal.

Below is the "official" response from the Department of Health Care Services:

"Hearing Rights" brochure being sent out: Pursuant to the Jackson v Rank lawsuit, DHCS must send these brochures out to all Medi-Cal beneficiaries quarterly.

Thank you for this opportunity to be of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices in the future with any comments or inquires.

Sincerely,
Gail Moss, Executive Secretary to Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro
Sonoma County District Office

Over done Mailings

Wes/Patricia,

I just received a pamphlet from the California Department of Health Care Services titled "Your Hearing Rights - A guide to Medi-Cal fair Hearing".

I am one of those that will be hurt from deductions that may happen to the poor, elderly and disabled (Spinal Cord Injury - 34 years), and seeing various forms of waste upsets me. Receiving the above noted pamphlet every three months (2 pamphlets; one for me and one for my daughter) to me is a waste.

Individuals receive notice of their rights every time they visit the county Welfare Office, as well as in the mail and this seems part seems to be in excess of what is actually needed. If the State wants to cut services to the poor, elderly and disabled, they should first look at how they do business. This is just one example.

I hope this service of mailing out the same pamphlet every three months is looked into and stopped in the name of using public funds in ways that are more efficient.

Thank you,
Charlie Bean