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IFC January 2004 Page 1 | ||
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
The December 31st bells will be ringing shortly to welcome in the New Year 2004. My wish for all is that we will soon realize peace in this world of ours and that we will be blessed with good health and all things worthy; and that our daily thoughts will include ways in which we can, even in a small way, help those around us who are suffering. To start off the New Year, the "Toys for Tots" program, under the auspices of the Navy League and its president Jerry Lafferty with Ann Lafferty and its Committee Members and the IFC, hundreds of Mexican youngsters will receive a toy (perhaps the only one to be put in their hands all year). This alliance with the League for Toys for Tots has brought the IFC wonderful publicity and should also bring much needed attention to other of our programs. On December 13 perhaps many of you attended the Toys for Tots Charity Golf Scramble and noted the large banner strung along the entrance to the Marina Golf Course prominently displaying the logo of Club International de la Amistad. You should also be aware that all of the ticket revenue from the dinner, which many of you also attended, is being used for the purchase of toys. The Marriott provided the food and beverages, room, etc. The General Manager, was very generous in praise of the Club's wonderful cooperation with Toys for Tots and we received a tremendous ovation. He and his assistant personally came over to our table and thanked me and my wife, Yvonne, as representatives of the IFC, for the Club's support of the program and the Navy League. It appears that this year's Toys for Tots will be the most successful to date. We thank you Navy League for this gift to the children in this area. All of your members are to be commended for their untiring efforts to bring smiles and joy to these little ones. Veering off in another direction, this will be of interest to many US citizens: At the request of one of our members, I met with the administrative assistant at the San Javier Hospital to inquire about US Medicare and their hospital. (Word had gotten back to us that some individuals had received Medicare coverage there.) This is what I was told:
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In the event of an emergency, San Javier Hospital will treat the patient and process the necessary paperwork required by Medicare. However, the patient must first pay 100% of the hospital bill. If Medicare approves of the procedure and circumstances surrounding it, and the bill, if and when any reimbursement is made by Medicare, it will automatically be sent to the patient. Of course, only Medicare has the authority to either approve or disapprove the payment. If the patient has his/her own medical insurance plan--either Mexican or US--the hospital will process the necessary paperwork, and here, too, any insurance reimbursement will be sent to the patient (however, here again, 100% of the bill must be paid by the patient). Note that this is not to promote a particular hospital, but currently this is the only one we know of here that has processed Medicare paperwork. This is merely a response to an inquiry that may prove helpful to those interested. (By the way, Canadians should contact their government agent here for helpful information in this regard.) Pamela Thompson, our Blood Drive Chair person coordinated the drive at the clubhouse on Dec. 11. She hopes to have another in approximately six weeks. Consider a visit next month--watch for the date. Puerto Vallarta needs a pool of blood for emergencies--be there--you, too, might need help some day. Be sure to update yourselves on the activities of our various Chairpersons on the following pages. There is never enough willing hands--your participation will always be appreciated. Make an inquiry about something that might be of interest. One of the areas that are in need of support currently is our fund raising and social activities. (Marion Hansen would like to hear from you--tel: 209-0592.) (Patricia Mendez, Medical Chair can always use help in various areas: Tel: 044-322-728-7519 or 01-329-198-0767.) Got any ideas you'd like to air--don't hesitate to tell us about them, either privately or at the next Board meeting, the first Monday in January, or at the General Meeting, the second Tuesday of January.
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