Health care programs

I have a long-time and dear friend with a skin disorder which requires daily medication to control.

Recently, I visited with my friend, who lives more than 100 miles away, and his skin problem was very pronounced. I asked him what the problem was as it had been remedied by the medication.

His answer: his wife's birthday was approaching and he felt he had to choose between purchasing the expensive medicines or buying a nice birthday gift for his wife of many years. He elected to honor his bride and let his skin problem cause him pain and embarrassment.

We have Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, Tricare for veterans, Obamacare and all sorts of government and corporate health insurance plans. Yet, something always falls through the cracks of the system.

I am SO proud of our friendship and what an outstanding individual he stands for among the rest.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of every health care program offered by the government or private employers. Unfortunately, sometimes you just have to "man-up."  

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