ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, October 22, 1996 TAG: 9610220077
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: what's on your mind?
SOURCE: RAY REED
Q: Who will pay the medical bill for the driver who stole a car and wrecked in Botetourt County three weeks ago? The state, the city, the county or other people who are treated at Carilion Roanoke Memorial?
N.N.
A: The payer hasn't been designated, and several officials who are involved responded to your question by saying "not us."
Here's the order in which the bills go out: to the insurance companies for the two individuals in the stolen car - if they have insurance; then to Medicaid, which covers indigent patients; then to the injured men.
The two were in Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital for a week after the accident before they were indicted on felony charges and taken to jail.
Here's who won't pay: The state corrections system and the Botetourt County Sheriff's Office, according to Sheriff Reed Kelly. He says the men didn't become the county's or state's responsibility until charges were filed.
Because of privacy laws, it's hard to say at this point whether the two men have insurance or any means to pay, but here's a clue: Both requested court-appointed attorneys.
Who's left? Medicaid and the hospital.
If other sources don't pay, the hospital most likely would request payment from Medicaid, said Rob Tonkinson, a finance vice president.
Medicaid possibly could find the two ineligible under its rules for covering nonresidents, because the two men are from Kentucky.
If no other payment source is found, their treatment will be considered a charity case, and the not-for-profit hospital will cover the costs "out of surpluses we generate," Tonkinson said.
Restroom not empty
Q: I was visiting Northside High School recently and noticed several of the restrooms had no dispensers for toilet paper, soap or hand towels. What happened to them, and what happened to the money budgeted for them?
S.A., Roanoke
A: Relax. The valley's high schools have not started requiring people to bring their own paper items.
Northside probably was due for a restroom facility overhaul when you were there.
County schools hired a contractor to replace doors, windows, partitions and all needed restroom furnishings in each school. The restrooms also are being made handicapped-accessible.
The contract includes new commercial-grade dispensers for toilet paper, hand towels and soap.
That doesn't guarantee these amenities will be there next time you visit. Vandalism in school restrooms is serious enough that, on occasion, a new dispenser doesn't last out the day, said Homer Duff, director of facilities and operations.
Roanoke city schools have the same problem. "We keep a supply in the warehouse," said Gary Willard, an operations supervisor. It takes about two days to get a replacement ordered and installed.
"It's a health issue. We try to do what's necessary," Willard said.
Got a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Call us at 981-3118. Or, e-mail RayR@Roanoke.Infi.Net. Maybe we can find the answer.
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