DCSTFI concerns

[Heather L. Kimmel Ph.D.]

Dear Jo Anne - thank you for taking the time to write to us today. I regret that you felt that I was brushing you off earlier this week. That was not my intention at all. I was only trying to respond to your e-mails in a professional manner. Unfortunately, in my experience, the tone of electronic communications can be misunderstood. I did want to personally let you know that you have been heard and we are trying to act in the best interests of all the members.

You suggested a conference call with the entirety of the Board tomorrow (Friday). Unfortunately, I will not be available for a call tomorrow, as I have meetings for the majority of the day. However, I suggest that you and I talk one day next week to discuss the issues that you have raised. Please let me know the days and times that are convenient for you as well as your preferred phone number and the two of us can talk. In addition, let me know what days and times you are available for the conference call with the board, and we will work with everyone's schedules.

Sincerely yours,
Heather L. Kimmel

[Heather L. Kimmel Ph.D.]

Hi, Jo Anne- I hope this finds you doing well. I've contacted the other board members and at least one, if not two, other folks are available to talk tomorrow between 2 and 3 pm. As I am hearing impaired, I will need to have a captioner on the call to help translate the conversation. Due to this interaction, I will need to call each participant and add them to the conference call. If you are still available at this time tomorrow, please send me the best number to reach you.

I thought I'd give you a quick snapshot of the 2012 survey ahead of the call:
1. Number of respondents = 46 (36 current fellows and 10 former) - this is out of about 160 or so members at the time
2. Plan currently using: PPO Option 12 (Gold) = 8; PPO Option 2 (Silver) = 10, PPO Option 1 (Platinum) = 25, HMO Option 3 = 1, no plan = 1 (1 respondent did not answer this question)
3. Are you happy with current set of options for health care plans? Happy = 40; Somewhat happy = 4, No opinion = 1, somewhat unhappy = 1, unhappy = 0
4. Have you had any trouble finding a doctor near you? No trouble = 25, some trouble = 15, a lot of trouble = 2, not sure/no opinion = 4
5. If there were an option for dental coverage only, would you be interested in signing up for it? Yes = 7, maybe = 7, no = 22, don't know/not sure = 10
6. What other service(s) would you most like to see provided by DCSTFI? on-line account access = 28, customized reminders = 16, credit card payments = 29 (7 respondents did not answer this question)
7. Would you support allowing outsider members to subscribe to DCSTFI services? yes = 26, no = 4, maybe = 16
7a. If so, under what conditions: Other science and technology fellowships = 33, people working with advanced science & technology degrees = 13, people working in science & technology policy = 13; other = 7 [typed responses were: concern regarding additional administrative burden, impacts, and risks = 2, lower health rates/reducing premiums = 3, other policy areas = 1, don't know = 1]
Other comments: 16 [typed responses were: regarding question 7 = 9, compliments to board = 4, better fertility treatments/family planning needed = 1, more clear information on behavioral health treatment = 1, electronic check question = 1]

I look forward to talking with you tomorrow!

Cheers - Heather