August 2003

Frankly Speaking

I am sure everyone is aware that the San Jose District is being dissolved and all offices now represented by Branch 782 will be placed into the Van Nuys District.

I have always said that the Postal Service goes in a big circle; and now once again, we have returned full circle.  The change is cited as a cost cutting measure that will eliminate many former District management positions. 

Placement of the Bakersfield area in the Van Nuys District is sure to have an impact on the carrier craft.  Just what those changes will be is yet to be seen...

The San Jose District will cease totally in mid-November.  We are already starting to see changes in Bakersfield.  Van Nuys District personnel have started to visit stations.  They have issued a written notification of rules they feel are important and carrier requirement to be read to all carriers at stand-ups.  Only time will tell the extent of changes caused by the switch. 

I would like to welcome Dole Court Carrier Joe Jones as our Branch Representative of Retirees.  I have known Joe for over 30 years and feel confident he will do an excellent job representing retirees. 

Recently, I had a carrier call about a problem she was having when she went to her doctor with a complain about her shoulder and neck.  I strongly feel that each of you needs to learn from her situation. 

It seems she has an HMO health benefit plan.  They do not handle on-the-job injuries.  When she told them she believed casing mail caused it, her health benefit plan referred her to Bakersfield Family Medical Group. They handle their job-related injuries.

Well, it just happens Bakersfield Family Medical Group is also the contract physician service for the Postal Service.

The doctor wanted to talk with the carrier's supervisor before he would set the restrictions.  Even after it was explained to the doctor that this was not an accepted on-the-job injury claim, he still wanted to talk with the Post Service. 

It was very evident his concern was more for the Post Office than for the patient.  It is also obvious that the doctor was not about to jeopardize the contract with the Post Office.

The carrier has asked for my help with HMOs and with the medical care limitations they impose.  The Carrier's choice of doctor is very limited.  In most cases with an HMO, you have only one choice of a doctor.

The best help I could give the carrier was advise to change health care providers at the next opportunity.

Common sense dictates that when you have many choices of treating physicians and your health benefit plan is paying them to provide for your personal care, they will be more prone to have your interests in mind. 

The same logic applies when Post Office contract physicians have the Post Office's interest as a priority.  Side too much with the employee and they would see a very quick change in their contract with the USPS.

Be smart!  If your health benefit plan does not have your best interests in mind - especially if you are injured on the job - CHANGE PLANS!

This piece of advice is the best way I can help carriers who have HMOs.   NALC's own Health Benefit Plan offers excellent opportunities if you happen to be injured on the job. 

Remember, the health benefit plan you have is your choice!  Choose wisely!

Our General Membership Meeting is scheduled for August 26th, 2003.  Be there!  Get answers to your questions.  Your representatives are willing to stay after the meeting to serve your needs!!

Frank Thomasy

Branch 782 President