A friend and I were talking yesterday about the cost of medicine. He and I are the same age and both of us have encountered health problems along the way. Never in a million years in 1969, when we graduated from high school, did we envision what our future held. Some of our fellow classmates have experienced much more than we have and I wonder how in the world they survived - also realizing that some haven't survived.
Employers are normally in charge of the choice of health insurance being offered - they pay part of the premium so they make the decision. I honestly believe employers try to negotiate the best coverage for the money. Why? Because they are covered under the same policy. The employee has an advantage in this case. The self employed can obtain health insurance for about the same premium, however the coverage is vastly different. Deductibles, co-pays, max out of pocket expenses are all at a higher level. Where a group (where the employer offers health insurance) may have a $500 deductible, the self employed individual will have a $1500 deductible. If you are a smoker, then the cost of insurance is higher.
Supplemental insurance can ease the burden, but that adds to the cost of the coverage. So, why not pay a higher premium and get more coverage.
Having insurance doesn't mean free health care. Co-pays can run $25 - $50 a visit, then heaven forbid if x-rays or blood tests are needed. These all add to the co-pay and that $25 can quickly turn into $225. Is that why people are now focusing on eating healthy, getting exercise, quitting smoking, breathing healthier air and on and on?
Oh! Don't forget the medicine! This is something my doctor and I agree to disagree on. I have high cholesterol or so my doctor says. My cholesterol runs at 200 - remember when this was the norm? Well now the norm has dropped to 150, so I am in real trouble! It is hereditary and I admit I love fried chicken. I cannot - probably because of a mental block - take all those "-tor" drugs. Fish oil suits me just fine. So what does my doctor do, he gives me a prescription for super fish oil. My co-pay is $100 per bottle of 300 capsules. Give me a break! What are these things made of gold? Does he really believe I am going to pay that for fish oil when I can get 100 capsules for $11.99 and most of the time I get those on sale with a "buy 1 get 2 free".
And please don't be diagnosed with diabetes! Not only do you have your morning and evening pill for the insulin problem, but you have to have a pill for your kidneys (don't want to go on dialysis) and then sometimes another for your eyes. This can go on for years and years. The cost is astronomical and remember you have to check your blood at least daily or sometimes 2-3 times a day - add the machine and the supplies to those costs. Social security is not enough for the health costs much less the light bill and the groceries.
If you are diagnosed with heart problems or cancer and you may as well sell everything you own and find a cheap nursing home. You cannot afford to live. Even more reason to stay healthy. I was diagnosed with cancer 15 years ago. The trips to the doctors, the x-rays, the ultra-sounds, the surgery - the costs were astronomical. If I had agreed to radiation and chemo it would have been even more. Yes, I refused radiation and chemo, but that is another story for another time.
It isn't the insurance companies fault as many would have you believe. Pharmaceuticals are the biggest reason for high medical costs. Doctors are pushing drugs for certain illnesses or health problems. Do they get a kick back? Do they get new equipment for their office, use of a time share on some wonderful beach, tickets to a ball game, an all expense paid hunting trip, or just supplies for their office?
Going to the hospital - take your own prescriptions. I was charged $72 for 2 tylenol tablets and that was 6 years ago. With the rate of inflation, no one can afford it now. I wonder what that supercharged fish oil would cost at the hospital?
I know the cost of producing drugs, the research and testing that goes into the development is high. But if you will pay attention, this "research and development" is grant funded! Yes, these are private companies, but they receive grants to find cures, research and develop medications and vaccines! These pharmaceutical companies are making money hand over fist on the results of grant funded research. Why is our costs so high?
If the government would put a cap on the cost of medications, the health care system would take care of itself. How do you put a cap on the cost of medication when the companies producing these medications contribute high dollars to your campaign to get re-elected time after time? Is your elected official listening to you or his contributors?
Check out this website - see the dollars Pharmaceuticals are pouring into lobbying for their cause!
www.opensecrets.org/lobby/ go to the Top Industries Section
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Barnesville Blues SCV Camp - Interview with Commander Knight
What is the mission of the Sons of Confederate Veterans?
The SCV is an organization committed to preserving the history and legacy of Confederate heroes so future generations may understand the motives that galvanized the Southern cause against Northern aggression.
What is the name of the local chapter and why did you choose this name?
The Barnesville Blues SCV Camp #2137 has several members whose descendants had served in this Militia (The Barnesville Blues) at the beginning of the War Between the State before it merged with the 44 Georgia Volunteer Infantry to form the 3rd Georgia Battalion.
Does the local SCV do community service projects and if so, what are some of the projects?
Yes, I have just donated the use of a bulldozer for a project with the Barnesville Humane Society this past weekend to build new kennels. We also help with the maintenance and repair of the Milner Confederate Cemetery. this past April members of the camp repainted the fence at the cemetery.
How often does the local chapter meet?
The camp meets monthly on the first Thursday night at 6:30 pm. The camp usually meets at the Garden Patch Restaurant on Highway 341 South in Barnesville.
What is the rank structure and what are the job duties of each position?
The General is the Commander and leader of the camp.
The Lt. Colonel is the Lt. Commander of the camp.
The Captain is the Adjutant of the camp.
The Sgt. Major is in charge of the introduction of our guests, is in charge of our Honor Guard for training and uniform regulations, and assists on the artillery crew.
The First Sgt. is our Color Sergeant and carries our flag leading members in our salutes and pledges and also is on the artillery crew.
What are the requirement for becoming a member and how much are the annual dues?
Membership is open to all male descendants of any veteran that served honorably in the Confederate Armed Service. Membership can be obtained either by direct or collateral family lines and kinship to a veteran must be documented genealogically. The minimum age for membership is 12 years of age. First year dues are $47.50 plus a $5.00 registration fee; afterward annual dues are $47.50. More information and contacts can be found at http://www.barnesvilleblues.scvcamp.org/.
Do you have any projects scheduled for the rest of the year and what are they?
We do not have any projects scheduled at this time, but plans are in progress for a project with the SCV Mechanized Calvary our Motorcycle Unit for the Sesquicentennial 150th of the War Between the State which will be between 2010-2015.
Do you have a website I can visit for more information?
http://www.scv.org/ or http://www.barnesvilleblues.scvcamp.org/ or you can Goggle "SCV Georgia Division"
What future goals do you have for the camp?
Members of the camp would like to see a ladies auxiliary started locally.
Thank you Commander Rudy Ben Knight of the Barnesville Blues SCV Camp #2137
The SCV is an organization committed to preserving the history and legacy of Confederate heroes so future generations may understand the motives that galvanized the Southern cause against Northern aggression.
What is the name of the local chapter and why did you choose this name?
The Barnesville Blues SCV Camp #2137 has several members whose descendants had served in this Militia (The Barnesville Blues) at the beginning of the War Between the State before it merged with the 44 Georgia Volunteer Infantry to form the 3rd Georgia Battalion.
Does the local SCV do community service projects and if so, what are some of the projects?
Yes, I have just donated the use of a bulldozer for a project with the Barnesville Humane Society this past weekend to build new kennels. We also help with the maintenance and repair of the Milner Confederate Cemetery. this past April members of the camp repainted the fence at the cemetery.
How often does the local chapter meet?
The camp meets monthly on the first Thursday night at 6:30 pm. The camp usually meets at the Garden Patch Restaurant on Highway 341 South in Barnesville.
What is the rank structure and what are the job duties of each position?
The General is the Commander and leader of the camp.
The Lt. Colonel is the Lt. Commander of the camp.
The Captain is the Adjutant of the camp.
The Sgt. Major is in charge of the introduction of our guests, is in charge of our Honor Guard for training and uniform regulations, and assists on the artillery crew.
The First Sgt. is our Color Sergeant and carries our flag leading members in our salutes and pledges and also is on the artillery crew.
What are the requirement for becoming a member and how much are the annual dues?
Membership is open to all male descendants of any veteran that served honorably in the Confederate Armed Service. Membership can be obtained either by direct or collateral family lines and kinship to a veteran must be documented genealogically. The minimum age for membership is 12 years of age. First year dues are $47.50 plus a $5.00 registration fee; afterward annual dues are $47.50. More information and contacts can be found at http://www.barnesvilleblues.scvcamp.org/.
Do you have any projects scheduled for the rest of the year and what are they?
We do not have any projects scheduled at this time, but plans are in progress for a project with the SCV Mechanized Calvary our Motorcycle Unit for the Sesquicentennial 150th of the War Between the State which will be between 2010-2015.
Do you have a website I can visit for more information?
http://www.scv.org/ or http://www.barnesvilleblues.scvcamp.org/ or you can Goggle "SCV Georgia Division"
What future goals do you have for the camp?
Members of the camp would like to see a ladies auxiliary started locally.
Thank you Commander Rudy Ben Knight of the Barnesville Blues SCV Camp #2137
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
So Many Issues - Too Little Time
The news is full of news, happenings, and issues this week. The health care reform is catching flack due to the abortion issue which if addressed will open a whole new can of worms. I believe we need some form of health care, but a nationwide insurance is not the answer. But as pointed out in an article I read the other day, Medicare was greatly opposed in many corners when it was introduced. Maybe the answer is to change the face of Medicare/Medicaid. I am still reading on the Health Care Bill and will probably still be reading this time next week. This is one bill that all representatives, senators, and governors need to read and study before agreeing to the content. Please, please do not sign until you read. (How many law suits have been filed as a result of not reading before signing.) Ignorance of the contents is no excuse.
Those that signed the stimulus package before signing should resign. Ignorance of the rules, standards and guidelines for spending/giving away this much money that did not belong to them is gross negligence. The people of the United States should file a lawsuit against each person that signed this bill on the grounds of misappropriation of government funds. Our tax dollars have been placed in the pocket of these already high paid executives with a pat on the back and a quiet chuckle and have not increased any jobs other than maybe to increase the household staff of these executives.
And Anthony in Australia, good job mister. You caught something that highly paid government employees missed AND you called and told them they had missed it. With all their high tech equipment purchased with tax dollars they missed a major event that you caught with your backyard telescope. I commend you!
The earthquake in New Zealand has actually moved the island closer to Australia. Does this mean we will have some changing weather in our forecast or is a major tsunami on the way to destroy the coast of New Zealand or Australia or both.
And what in the heck was a university counselor doing with the records of the Virginia Tech killer at his home. It is called responsibility - those are confidential files, don't take them home to share with family and friends. Makes me wonder if my medical records are on my doctors kitchen counter. Use those brain cells people - surely you haven't burned them all up.
What is it with teens these days? Robbing and killing here, there, and everywhere. Go play. Play ball, throw a Frisbee, go fishing, play tennis, go swimming, plant a garden, volunteer with some group, but be a teenager. You really, really don't want to spend your early years behind bars. You are going to miss so much if you do and guess what, those guards are not your mom, dad, or grandparents. They don't love you. Life may be hard, but life is what you make it. Go to church - its free and those people care. Talk to someone, but get your life back. The streets have taken you away from life and you have to get it back. Nursing homes always need volunteers and you can learn so much from the old folks who have seen more and done more than we ever will.
Gone fishing.
Belle
Those that signed the stimulus package before signing should resign. Ignorance of the rules, standards and guidelines for spending/giving away this much money that did not belong to them is gross negligence. The people of the United States should file a lawsuit against each person that signed this bill on the grounds of misappropriation of government funds. Our tax dollars have been placed in the pocket of these already high paid executives with a pat on the back and a quiet chuckle and have not increased any jobs other than maybe to increase the household staff of these executives.
And Anthony in Australia, good job mister. You caught something that highly paid government employees missed AND you called and told them they had missed it. With all their high tech equipment purchased with tax dollars they missed a major event that you caught with your backyard telescope. I commend you!
The earthquake in New Zealand has actually moved the island closer to Australia. Does this mean we will have some changing weather in our forecast or is a major tsunami on the way to destroy the coast of New Zealand or Australia or both.
And what in the heck was a university counselor doing with the records of the Virginia Tech killer at his home. It is called responsibility - those are confidential files, don't take them home to share with family and friends. Makes me wonder if my medical records are on my doctors kitchen counter. Use those brain cells people - surely you haven't burned them all up.
What is it with teens these days? Robbing and killing here, there, and everywhere. Go play. Play ball, throw a Frisbee, go fishing, play tennis, go swimming, plant a garden, volunteer with some group, but be a teenager. You really, really don't want to spend your early years behind bars. You are going to miss so much if you do and guess what, those guards are not your mom, dad, or grandparents. They don't love you. Life may be hard, but life is what you make it. Go to church - its free and those people care. Talk to someone, but get your life back. The streets have taken you away from life and you have to get it back. Nursing homes always need volunteers and you can learn so much from the old folks who have seen more and done more than we ever will.
Gone fishing.
Belle
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Don't You Just Hate That Old Devil!
Recently a couple and their children went on a trip with a church group. They all had a great weekend. The children played and everyone enjoyed fellowship with each other. All the participants felt blessed for a peaceful and enlightening weekend. New friendships were forged and new bonds created. But as the weekend came to an end and the families packed up to go home, the devil injected himself into their camaraderie, fellowship and all around good time. As is often the way of the devil, he sneaked in when no one was looking and convinced these people of God that much more had gone on over the weekend than the fellowship and Bible study. Before long these people carried home bad feelings, accusations and hard feelings. Then the devil injected himself in their home life causing disruption and doubt, nurturing hate and mistrust, and general discontent between family members and friends. The devil won another one.
There was a company in the area where all the staff were friendly and worked together in a cooperative and pleasant manner. Most of the staff were Christians. I know it is not correct to discuss religion in the workplace, but Christians don't have to discuss religion - they live it. Everything was going really well and progress was being made until the old devil moved in. Actions speak louder than words. The same words were being spoken, but the actions had changed. And you know, those words were spoken in a different tone, a different volume, a different look on the face from which they were spoken and everyone knew, the devil could not stand the wonderful things that had been happening. Not only did the atmosphere in the office change, the outlook of the whole company changed and there was no stopping the discontent, hatred, jealousy and accusations that now flowed from every employee. The devil won another one.
Two young men were starting a business. They had been getting small orders, but not enough to pay themselves a salary and pay the overhead too. Their start up cushion was almost gone and they had to make the decision to stay open and not draw a salary or close the doors. Just as they were about to give up, a huge order came in. Unless they worked night and day they couldn't deliver on time without hiring additional help which they could ill afford to do. They worked and worked and got the order out, but were exhausted. They made enough money to stay open for at least another year and still draw salaries for themselves. They thanked God for their good fortune as more orders started flowing into the office. The devil sneaked in and set the two men against each other. They two could not agree on anything and slowly the business collapsed. So sad that the devil won another one.
Don't you just hate that old devil!
There was a company in the area where all the staff were friendly and worked together in a cooperative and pleasant manner. Most of the staff were Christians. I know it is not correct to discuss religion in the workplace, but Christians don't have to discuss religion - they live it. Everything was going really well and progress was being made until the old devil moved in. Actions speak louder than words. The same words were being spoken, but the actions had changed. And you know, those words were spoken in a different tone, a different volume, a different look on the face from which they were spoken and everyone knew, the devil could not stand the wonderful things that had been happening. Not only did the atmosphere in the office change, the outlook of the whole company changed and there was no stopping the discontent, hatred, jealousy and accusations that now flowed from every employee. The devil won another one.
Two young men were starting a business. They had been getting small orders, but not enough to pay themselves a salary and pay the overhead too. Their start up cushion was almost gone and they had to make the decision to stay open and not draw a salary or close the doors. Just as they were about to give up, a huge order came in. Unless they worked night and day they couldn't deliver on time without hiring additional help which they could ill afford to do. They worked and worked and got the order out, but were exhausted. They made enough money to stay open for at least another year and still draw salaries for themselves. They thanked God for their good fortune as more orders started flowing into the office. The devil sneaked in and set the two men against each other. They two could not agree on anything and slowly the business collapsed. So sad that the devil won another one.
Don't you just hate that old devil!
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