Central Coast Chapter Minutes, October 19, 2013
Meeting to Order @
1:10 P.M.
Pledges of Allegiance
/SAR led by VP Bill Siler. VP Siler presiding in the absence of Gary Cooper.
Invocation by Nate
Maas
Attendance: 6 member
and 1 guest speaker
Sunshine Report:
Acting President Gary Cooper is attempting another cruise.
Secretary’s Report:
Secretary Scrimiger read the minutes for the September 21, 2013 meeting. Minutes
accepted.
Treasurer’s Report:
Continued to next month. Dues are due by December 1.
New Business:
Registrar Russ Haynes presented Secretary Scrimiger a supplemental certificate
for his patriot ancestor James Prather of Maryland.
Nate Maas advised that
Eagle Scout contest applications must be submitted by the November meeting.
Wreaths Across America and Flags for troops in Afghanistan
tabled until the November meeting.
Candidates for the
Rumbaugh Oration competition solicited.
Guest Speaker Gill
Blonsley Introduction and Presentation:
Mr. Blonsley has an
extensive resume to include Administrative Chief of the Clark Co. Nevada Health
Dept., Ethics and Disciplinary Board of the Nevada State Bar Assn., Director
Las Vegas Valley Water District and Human Relations Commission for the city of
San Luis Obispo. A private sector career included providing new and expanded
health services for Sutter Health of Sacramento,
contract negotiations on behalf of physicians and clinics.
Mr. Blonsley’s
presentation focused on the Affordable Care Act and its implementation. The
biggest impact of the ACA will be providing coverage for the 50 million
uninsured and requiring that everyone obtain coverage much the same as with
auto insurance. Mr. Blonsley stated that Medicare took 3 years to obtain an
adequate number of enrollees and he expected the same with the ACA.
Physicians were
resistant to Medicare in 1964 but it now works well.
The ACA Tier 1
mandates the purchase of coverage or you must pay a penalty that increases each
year. According to Mr. Blonsley, the
glitches with the national website are a result of a recent Supreme Court
decision allowing states to opt out and that 29 states did opt out leaving them
with no interface with the national website. Many States are now reconsidering
due to Medicaid reimbursements.
Benefits of the ACA
are universal coverage, portability of coverage, pre-existing conditions are
covered, there is no denial of coverage and no maximum. Those within 400% of
the poverty line will receive a subsidy for their premiums in the form of a tax
credit.
Mr. Blonsley pointed
out that the ACA was first conceived by the conservative Heritage Foundation
and that it was implemented by Mitt Romney while Governor of MA. The MA system
still enjoys a 92.5% approval rating.
In San Luis Obispo County,
Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross are the underwriters. The California website is www.coveredca.com.
Q & A followed.
Mr. Blonsley was most informative and warmly received. Mr. Blonsley was
presented a certificate and cannon.
Closing Pledge
Benediction by Nate
Maas
Adjournment @ 3:05 P.
M.
Respectfully
Submitted,
Chris Scrimiger
Chapter Secretary