A Sample Letter…

March 23, 2009

Marianne Lonsdale
Chief Operating Manager
Health Service System
1145 Market Street
2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103

Re: San Francisco Police Officer Alice Dicroce

Dear Ms. Lonsdale:

Recently you received an urgent request from San Francisco Police Officer Alice Dicroce. She informed you that it was essential to her survival that she be allowed to change her health care provider prior to the annual “open enrollment” period.

While her requests did not fall within normal “qualifying events”, the appeal was based upon something even more compelling and necessary, her life. Under her current health plan provider through the City and County of San Francisco, Alice has been unable to receive medically necessary treatment.

While waiting and fighting, Alice has had to endure the continued progression of her condition without the medical interventions that could halt or reverse the damage that has already taken place. Her doctors have informed her that she must commence treatment as soon as possible in order to stop the destructive development of her illness. Waiting three months for “open enrollment” would not only be unreasonable, but would cause further deterioration and jeopardize her chances for a full recovery.

I encourage you to recognize that there is an ethical resolution possible. As each day passes, Alice’s condition wanes. Please allow Officer Dicroce the medical coverage she needs to make it possible for her to take control of her own life and return to the job that she loves – protecting the health and welfare of the people of San Francisco.

Sincerely,

cc: Mayor Gavin Newsom
S.F. Health Commission