It was unofficial Children’s Day at Kiwanis. Judge Lauri Blake brought her children, Randy and Suzi. Mary and Kenny Karl brought their children Dylan, Kenlee, and Kaitlyn. Steve Mohundro told of his and Kay’s visit to Tennessee to see their granddaughter, Daila. Daila is the daughter of Cara and David Mohundro. Joe Moss regaled the group with his tale of his and Kathy’s taking their granddaughters, Molly and Emma, to San Antonio. Molly and Emma are the daughters of Charla and James Moss.

Other guests for the day were Judy Harrison of Experience Works and Chuck Wanner of Limo Royale and the Red River Winery Tours.

Brad Nichols, Bonham Fire Chief and Kiwanian, talked to the group about changes taking place with Medicare, Medicaid, and ambulance transport. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has established new guidelines regarding necessity for ambulance transport. Medicare and/or Medicare coverage is for only those beneficiaries whose medical condition is such that transport by any other means would endanger the patient's health. A patient whose condition permits transport by any type of vehicle other than an ambulance does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid payment.

There are numerous factors that go into determining ambulance transport but in general terms, ambulatory patients or those who can sit, stand, or walk without assistance may have coverage denied by CMS. By no means should this keep a person who believes they need an ambulance from calling 911. Paramedics will arrive on-scene and perform a complete head-to-toe examination including a mental and physical evaluation in order to make that determination. Access to ambulance transport will never be denied. However, we may notify the patient that it is our belief that CMS will deny coverage based on patient condition and alternative payment methods will be discussed prior to transport. This will never occur on a true life-or-death emergency.

Kiwanis invites everyone to come out to Bonham Trade Days July 5-8. It is from managing this event that Kiwanis earns their money to contribute to youth groups of Bonham and Fannin County. Also, remember that the Annual Fireworks Show brought to you by the City of Bonham and the Kiwanis Club of Bonham will be at Lake Bonham beginning at dusk on Wednesday, July 4.

(L-R) Kenny Karl, Corby Alexander, Judy Harrison, Chuck Wanner, Eileen Cox, and Brad Nichols