Where's my Affordable Health Care?

A Story in Which I Mistook a PBM for a Miracle

I try to keep this blog about Catholic things, but today I'm failing.

First, at work yesterday I tried to call UPS to schedule a pick-up. Again, it was a hassle, and I got scolded by a UPS man about calling the wrong UPS division. And the UPS driver in the area is a small woman who couldn't possibly lift the packages I had packed said the man. There were more complications. I don't care. All I wanted was a person in a brown uniform to pick up the brown boxes and put them in a brown truck. Then I want the company's account charged.

And yesterday's aggravation included the Take Care Clinic. I couldn't walk-in because I didn't have an appointment. Well, it either needs to be appointment only or walk-in only. And since I was in Walgreens I picked up two prescriptions. One was $5.00, and the other $100.00. Those are the co-pays. Along with some shampoo, body wash, and other sundries, I paid $19.00. I THOUGHT IT WAS A MIRACLE that my $100.00 co-pay was greatly reduced. WRONG. The insurance denied my expensive medication, so the pharmacist didn't bother filling it. Um, it's kind of important that I take this medicine, otherwise, why would I order a refill?????? I nearly cried. I have a two-day supply while I fight with the stupid PBM (prescription drug management) company. I paid $48.00 for the two-day supply.

I am not feeling the love for PBMs or my insurance company of last resort. Oh, Obama, I need some affordable health care!!!!!!!

My local Catholic hospital (don't get me started on their billing department and collection practices) recently sponsored a local event for professional athletes. Does that mean it gave prize money to the athletes? Is that where my heath care dollar is going? I can only afford to pay a dollar at a time.

This morning I sat and wrote another letter to God expressing this and more to put in my prayer box. Though I wrote to God, I still feel grumpy.

I pay $1,540.00 quarterly for my insurance-of-last resort! That's just for me, a single person.

It's not even 8:00 a.m., so there's lots of opportunity for God to fill today with miracles and goodness.

It's also a Holy Day of Obligation.

I'm Poor, but I Swoon

On Monday morning the Chief Mechanic/Owner of the Service Station called me with several options regarding my car repair. The options ranged from Expensive to Super Duper Expensive. After going through the options I said I would think about it. I called me dad who went into Caring Dad Mode. It's been so long since he has cared for me in an active way. Dad had questions and ended up calling the Chief Mechanic himself. I loved having my dad in Caring Dad Mode.

After all that conversation, I made my decision.

Then I thought how I would date any of the three mechanics there because they are so gentlemanly. I don't even know if any of them are married or Catholic. They are nice, nice looking, seem to be in my preferred age group and male.

They fixed my car. I went to pick it up yesterday and made a payment that probably will put someone's kid through college or pay the mortgage for a few months. I also picked up a candy bar because I needed chocolate when making such a big payment. The cashier gave me the candy bar for free because she said I spent enough money that day.

I was SO HAPPY to get a free candy bar! Really, it's the little acts of kindness that get to me. Never mind that I spent MY rent money on the car, I got a free candy bar. It's the power of chocolate.

Then when I got in my car, something was different. Eerie. Different. I questioned whether it was my car. Strange. Odd. Oh my Gosh! They totally cleaned the inside of my car and vacuumed it too. I fell in love with whoever used the Dust Buster. When was my old car that clean? Probably when I bought it many years ago. I was thrilled. I was embarrassed because the inside of my car was like the bottom of my purse (very messy). I was thrilled. I was embarrassed.

The car drives like a dream, and it's SO QUIET.

When I came home from work there was a phone message from Chief Mechanic/Owner. He thanked me for my business and said to bring it back in a few weeks, so he can check the fluids and make sure the repairs are holding up.

This is the second time he's called me later for a follow-up report. Is that normal mechanic behavior?

The Lord is my Boss Prayer

I don't know who wrote this prayer, but this goes out to all you who work outside the home.

The Lord is My Boss

The Lord is my boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace when chaos is all around.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that He is my source and not my job.
He reserves my sanity and guides my decisions that I might honor Him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn't cooperate every morning,
I will not stop, for He is with me!
His presence, HIs peace, and His power will see me though.
He raises me up even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own even when the company threatens to let me go.
His faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.
His retirement plan beats every 401K there is!
When all is said and done, I'll be working for Him a whole lot longer, and for that, 
I bless His name!

gods of American Mythology

God: Consumerism
Icon: Credit/ Debit Card
Worship Place: Shopping Mall, McMansion, Internet

God: Sex
Icons: Birth Control Pills and Condoms
Worship Places: Bedroom, television, music, movies, high school, PP establishments, abortion clinics, magazines, Internet

God: Electronics
Icon: Smart Phones
Worship Places: Crossing the street while cars swerve around you, dinner, waiting rooms, restaurants, homes, Internet

God: Car
Icon: SUVs
Worship Place: Road

God: Food
Icon: Burger, Fries, and Cola
Worship Places: massive supermarkets, fast food places, the car while driving

God: Power
Icon: Capitol Hill
Worship Places: Washington, D.C., Corporate suites, offices

God: Antichrist
Icon: ___________
Worship Place: Public schools, abortion clinics,

God: Drugs and Alcohol
Icon: Cold Medicine
Worship Places: Schools, homes, street corners, bars, restaurants, parties, behind-the-wheel, concerts, celebrations

Well, this has been a depressing post, and I can't think of a suitable icon for the antichrist. Yes, some of the icons and worship places can be used for good.

Significant Other vs. Spouse

I attended a Small Business Development workshop today. He spoke of financial risk among other things. He said that as a business owner, you always, always should be the one who signs the checks even if you have a bookkeeper. He said the only other person whom you can allow to sign the checks is your spouse. Mr. Advisor said do not let even your significant other sign your checks. Why? He said because even though he/she is your significant other, the commitment is not quite there yet.


I knew some guy who called his live-in girlfriend his life partner. Call me old fashioned, but I thought one's spouse was a life partner.

I Believe

I believe.

A friend was having a few people over for dinner, myself included. There was a thump outside, so the hostess opened the door and stuck her head outside.

"There's a bag outside," she yelled.

The hostess closed the door. "It has your name on it, Lena."

She came into the dining room and handed me the gift bag. Sure enough, the card had my name on it, and the bag was heavy. I was stunned and looked at it.

This was a mystery. This was an event out of a story book.

Hostess encouraged me to open the card, which had a beautiful picture of Mary and Baby Jesus. The card said, "Merry Christmas." No name was signed.

Inside the bag was a book Christmas Jars and a glass jar full of money.

I didn't know what to say, so I just cried.

It was over $50.00.

It's more than the money. It's the caring, the effort, the . . .

A Christmas angel came to me.

I thought of the months of anxiety I had this past year over meeting my basic needs.

Then I prayed.

Then I received.

I believe.

(Thank you, prayer buddy)

I am in the Christmas spirit. Today I put up my tree and decorated it.

Everyday Life without an Anchor

1) Now that I am not praying that 30-Day Prayer, I feel insecure. I don't feel anchored like I did when I was praying it. My worries blow through my mind. Perhaps this is a sign that I need to pray every single day. My soul is wandering like a lonely cloud. (I must look up that particular poem.)

2) I rec'd a small but substantial check from my cousin, so my rent and some other essentials are covered for the next few months. And I can book an airline ticket to a sunnier state and visit my aunt. So why aren't I happy?

3) I'm bummed because yesterday I rec'd a rejection letter for that job I interviewed for.

4) I took a little nap on my couch and woke up too late to attend Bible study this evening. Slightly irritated with myself.

5) Just in case you think that because I am single I am living a glamourous life filled with friends and exciting nights on the town, I will tell you I am not. Actually I am lonely a lot. My friends are very busy. Also I do volunteer work several times a week. I think the place where I do volunteer work is doing me a favor by letting me hang out there and do little tasks.

6) Sunday afternoon was fun because I was at church helping decorate paper ornaments with markers, crayons, stamps and stickers for the Wishing Tree. Plus pizza and pop were served too. I talked to some nice ladies who were all older than I am. They were impressed by my primitive drawings. Afterwards, another lady and I took a nice walk since it was a warm and sunny afternoon.We got to know each other a little bit better.

7) When Advent starts I am going to make a concentrated effort to say Christmas instead of holidays.

8) One particular friend I exchange gifts with has been too busy to get together due to her husband and children. I just don't feel close to her anymore and don't feel like giving her a gift.

9) Though I am in my 40s, I still haven't given up the dream of getting married. I know other women who have gotten married for the first time when they were my age. Sometimes I look at pictures of wedding dresses. Nothing strapless because I wouldn't feel comfortable in that style.

Waiting and The Difference Between Male and Female Doctors

Did I really hear my cousin correctly when he told me the amount of inheritance?
Now I must wait for him to distribute the assets. And wait, and wait, and wait. I must restrain myself from spending the money I don't have yet.
I did make a list of charities to give to including my local church.
I must be a good steward.

God, give me the wisdom to be prudent with how I spend or invest the money. Please, God, give me wisdom, and lead me to wise and ethical advisors.

I don't want to be like the prodigal son who spent all his money on wine, women, and song. But I am going to give myself a special treat if I don't get that job I interviewed for.

I must remember that shiny objects don't bring happiness. 

I do have a pile of medical bills to pay off: a lot because these days every little single part of your body requires its own medical specialist. Plus I had surgery earlier this year.

Here's the difference between my female doctors and male doctors. The female doctors' offices send me a statement every now and then. They never hassle me for money, and gracefully accept any small amount I am able to pay. They continue to treat me. They give me a break on the charges. They discount services.

The male doctors' offices and the Catholic hospital (male administrators) send bill collectors after me. They do not acknowledge the monetary stress of unemployment or the reality that unemployment means I am not earning an income. They send me letters threatening to fire me as a patient. They charge me extra if my insurance doesn't cover a procedure.
Guess which doctors I will be paying off first? Yep, the female doctors for their understanding, their patience, their belief in me that someday I WILL be able to pay my entire bill.  And I will send these doctors a little note of appreciation with my payment because I really, truly appreciate them.

Why I go to Church

One reason I attend Mass is to reset my priorities. It helps to be in a place where status, money, accomplishments and consumer goods do not matter.

I attend Mass to be in a community that is larger than myself.

The last time I served Communion I had a sense of community and really being part of the Body of Christ.