NORMANDY NEWS
This is the page that will keep you informed of old and new events and some that are only occasionally thought about.Your comments are welcome.
FAMILY MATTERS-AND THEY DO
We continue to enjoy Florida and all its many flavors. Art is busy with his new Cobra car and handles all the club activities and publishes the newsletter. Nancy is pursuinig her design career and enjoying some time at home as well. Annual trips to see our family and friends remain an important part of our lives.
A LOOK AT HMO'S
MY HMO WONT GIVE ME THE REFERRAL I NEED......................How can I get my HMO to give me the care I need? Last year 35,000 people filed complaints against HMO'S according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. And the type of complaint has changed from billing disputes to disagreements over the care being offered. But if an HMO doctor is reluctant to send you to a specialist, you can get satisfaction. Here's how: Step 1. Ask your HMO to overrule your doctor. Call the HMO and explain the problem and insist on a referral. Keep a record of all conversations-the date, who was spoken to and what was said. Many complaints are resolved at this point but if you don't get any satisfaction after 2 or 3 calls...Step 2: ask your employer for help if your HMO is provided through your job. As an HMO customer your employer pays big money for employee health benefits and has the clout to demand good service. If the HMO still drags it's feet...Step 3: File a formal grievance with your HMO. Directions on how to do so should be in your insurance booklet, or call the health plan for instructions. A medical team will review your request; your plan may specify a time limit by which the HMO must respond. The majority of disputes are resolved at this stage . If yours isn't...Step 4: Get the government involved. All HMO's have to answer to a state agency-usually the Department of Insurance or Health (in the telephone book). Ask them how to file a complaint against the HMO. A call from the agency will get the HMO to make your request a priority; send a copy of your complaint to your state's attorney general's office too for assurance that you'll get prompt attention.
WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?
As your read this newsletter we find our four children scattered about the United States. Scot and his wife Bonnie and their three children,Taylor, Brooke, and Paige live in Fairfax, Virginia. Mark and Lorie and their daughter Morgan and son Caden are still in Roanoke, VA. Teddy is in Minneapolis, MN and Shannon and her two daughters Brittany and Michaela reside in Orlando, FL only 1 1/2 hours from us.
Email comments to: gtownshend@cfl.rr.com
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