GOOD SAMARITAN BILLED $143 FOR HELPING

Derrick DeAnda came upon a rollover car crash in Elk Grove, California. Upon seeing a man and his three small children inside, DeAnda broke through the car’s windows and helped the family get out. When first responders arrived, they checked DeAnda out for injuries – all he had was a small cut – and gave him a bottle of water. Officially, this qualified DeAnda as a patient receiving services. So, weeks later, he received a bill for $143 from Cosumnes Community Services District first responders in the mail, and was shocked. Cosumnes Deputy Chief Mike McLaughlin says that, though DeAnda’s situation is unique, “We’re obligated to provide the same level of service, the same billing, the same everything – for every patient we encounter.” Luckily, DeAnda can appeal the bill by writing a letter to the district chief that explains the situation. “There is a mechanism for appealing this, a mechanism for making this right,” McLaughlin back-pedaled. “Our desire is to make it right.” Mr. DeAnda has already begun the appeal process and is waiting on a response from the district.
* Isn’t there a saying: No good deed goes unpunished?
* Shouldn’t there be, like, a Miranda warning before an EMT looks at you? “You have the right to receive a bill for the medical services I am about to provide. Do you understand this right as I’ve explained it to you?”
* Think of it as written proof when you brag about being a hero to your friends.
* Don’t worry. The appeal process should just fly by in a few months.
* Now this is what crowd-funding was designed for.
PHONE TOPIC: I did a good deed – and paid for it.