Residents urge caution and opt-out protections for MD Health Pathways telehealth program during council public comments
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Multiple residents used the citizen-comment period to criticize the city’s planned MD Health Pathways telehealth program, urging additional outreach, an opt-out for elderly residents, and greater council responsiveness; no formal council action was taken during the meeting.
Several Garland residents used the Nov. 3 citizen-comment period to criticize MD Health Pathways, a planned telehealth program discussed at recent council meetings. Speakers raised concerns about opt-in/opt-out procedures, outreach to elderly residents, perceived charges on utility bills and the city’s communication with constituents.
Jason Eddington, who identified himself as a candidate for state office, framed his remarks in civic terms, saying leaders should "have civility" and work with local leaders so state priorities reflect local needs. Mary Ellenfeld urged the council to promote the program’s benefits and cautioned against misinformation about costs and enrollment. Danny Starnes and Carl Smith criticized the program’s roll-out and called for protections for elderly residents and for clearer opt-out procedures; Starnes urged the council to "opt out" older residents automatically, arguing they could opt back in if they wished.
Commenters cited past council discussions and statements by staff. One speaker read excerpts of earlier council remarks questioning the timing of the program and outreach plans. Speakers also said thousands of residents had already opted out and called for more direct notices to seniors and homesteaded households.
Council members did not take formal action during the citizen-comment period. The speakers requested additional outreach and direct notification methods for vulnerable residents; the meeting record shows the council heard the comments and adjourned without a vote on the telehealth program during the Nov. 3 regular session.
Clarifying details from comments: speakers discussed outreach materials, the possibility of automatically opting out residents aged 65+ and the number of early opt-outs reported by staff (a speaker cited 2,473 households as having opted out). Speakers referenced prior work-session comments and a staff member named Dr. Parrott (spelled in the transcript as Parrot in one reference).