HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023_03_15 TThiersch_WSF Medical Preference LoadingFrom:Tom Thiersch
To:Board of Health
Cc:info@jeffersoncountypublichealth.org
Subject:WSF Medical Preference Loading Program
Date:Wednesday, March 15, 2023 9:16:54 AM
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Board members and staff:
Please ensure that all Jefferson Public Health providers are aware of this change in
Washington State Ferries’ Medical Preferential Loading policy and procedure.
Tom ThierschChair, Jefferson County Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC), Port Townsend terminal
tprosys@gmail.com
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From: Dean, Rachel <deanr@wsdot.wa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 8:56 AM
Cc: Rodero, Hadley <RoderoH@wsdot.wa.gov>
Subject: WSF Medical Preference Loading Program and Updated Long Range Plan
FAC Members,
…
First, following up on a UW study of WSF’s Medical Preferential Loading system, improvements are
coming to the program a week from today, on Monday, March 20. The new procedures are aimed
at making the process easier for customers, their medical providers, and WSF terminal staff.
Replacing a system of faxes from medical providers to terminal staff and WSF headquarters staff,
customers will now work with providers, who will apply on patients’ behalf through the online form.
Once submitted, the health care provider and customer will both receive a confirmation email. The
customer will need to print a copy of this confirmation email and present it with his/her/their ID
when traveling. Medical providers will no longer need to contact us for applications or fax them to
terminals.
The primary change is doing away with faxed copies of documents and switching to the online digital
database with the launch of the new webpage for applicants and their medical providers. The
second change is the length of time for which customers can receive Medical Preferential Loading
authorization. Applications previously could be authorized for a maximum of 90 days, but will now
be authorized for a single-day, multi-day (30), or annually, for those with chronic conditions. The last
change for users of the program will be ID verification at the terminal. Regardless of whether they
have a single-day, multi-day or annual pass, customers will be sent an email confirmation which they
will need to have printed out and present with matching ID when traveling.
As customers and medical providers adjust to the new system, WSF will provide a 90-day grace
period for customers who have their applications faxed in before March 20. We will make sure
customers taking advantage of the grace period know about program changes and encourage them
to apply online as soon as they can to avoid a pause in being able to use the program.
…
Rachel Dean
Legislative Analyst
WSDOT- Washington State Ferries
Pronouns: she/her/hers