From: Henry Trevino -  Retirees Health Benefit Trustee
Subject: Treatment at the Emergency Room
Attached above is a an article written by one of our Retiree health trustees. 
Problems after visiting a hospital ER for treatment.
Article Attached
FELLOW AND FUTURE MEMBERS                                 
 
This article will discuss the tremendous financial burden people suffer when they go to the hospital for emergency treatment.

             When a person receives care at an in-network hospital, he generally assumes that the attending physicians and specialists are also in-network.  They are mightily surprised when they receive a bill from the attending providers that are not in net-work.

             Many physicians working in hospital’s E.R’s are contract workers that are not directly employed by hospitals.  Many of these contract physicians that provide care in hospital’s E.R’s might not be in net-work.  
             Knowing whether a doctor in or out of net-work is generally not known until weeks later when a bill is delivered to the patient.  The bill is the difference between what the insurance paid and the out-of-network costs.  The bill balance is now the responsibility of the patient.  The amounts can vary from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. 

             This very unfair method of billing blindsides patients that are most vulnerable. This unfair practice of billing is disproportionately tied to emergency room care. 

             State representatives should have the courage to confront and fix this problem as other states have done.  It is suggested that if patients go to in-network hospitals they should receive in-network billing.  The medical provider and the insurers should settle out the difference.  

             Florida, New York and California have tackled the problem by requiring in-network billing when patients go to in-network hospitals and other facilities.  Two Texas Lawmakers, state Representatives John Smithee, R-Amarillo, and state Senator Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood have said that they would consider such legislation.
 
             Unfortunately the Fire and Police Health Fund cannot intercede for our members when they are hit with not in-network billing. Furthermore, the Fund cannot determine whether a physician is or is not in-network in an emergency situation.  It is the responsibility of the member to determine whether the doctor is or is not in-network. 
  
             If emergency care is necessary, a relative or a friend can call the Health Fund and pre-certify the patient.  If this happens on a week end the patient has 48 hours in which to pre-certify.  However, it is the responsibility of the patient to ask and determine if the doctor is in-network.

             What can you do if this happens to you?  Go to the hospital or to the doctor and bargain the extra billing down.  They may or may not agree, but argue the point of the unfairness of the extra billing.  I suggest that when arguing this point that you remain calm and composed while presenting your case.  Sometimes more often than not, offering a fully paid discounted amount will be accepted.

From: Rob Sarra <rob.sarra@controlledforce.com>
Subject: Law Enforcement Instructor Recruiting / Controlled FORCE
My name is Rob Sarra. I am the Deputy Director of Business Development here at Controlled F.O.R.C.E.
We are a law enforcement / military training company located outside of Chicago, IL. 
 
I am contacting you as we have been awarded a training contract through the U.S. Navy at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. We are currently recruiting for instructor positions for the contract. 
We are looking for 30-40  instructors who are newly retired or ready to retire law enforcement officers.
 
This is a full time position at Lackland Air Force Base beginning in late August or early September. I was hoping that you would be able to forward the instructor announcement out to your members, as we know SAPD is comprised of high quality officers that would be ideal candidates for this position. I have attached the job announcement and details to this email. 
 
Give me a call or email me as I would like to discuss opportunities for your members. 
 
Rob Sarra
Deputy Director 
312-391-8998 (C)
rob.sarra@controlledforce.com

From: Glenn Barrow [mailto:smilinglenn31@gmail.com]
Subject: A Few Good Men Needed
 
Good morning: I am retired SAPD, Glenn Barrow. Now the Chief of Natalia Police Department, looking for a couple reserve officers who are retired form SAPD.
 
I want to get a few Reserve retired SAPD guys, because I know the quality of training and think this would be a win-win for us all.

From: Cris Vieyra
Subject: VietNam War Commemoration Ceremony - CANCELLED
 
March 29, 2020 is National VietNam War Veterans Day.
The Ceremony for Sunday, March 29, 2020 post 2059 in Kirby,Texas, Has been cancelled.  
 
Thanks Cris Vieyra jr.
Commander, VFW Post 8397