Thoughts on ‘A Promised Land’ by Barack Obama

I just finished reading the first chapter. Like his other two books that I’ve read, this one does not disappoint. President Obama speaks with clarity and insight that gives the reader a peek into the people and processes that shaped his worldview. He asks questions we must resolve ourselves. Such as the one posed to him by his mother, Ann Durham, when she learned he’d been involved in a bullying episode. “What kind of person do you want to be?” She explained that there are people who only think of themselves and there are people who imagine how others feel and make sure they don’t do things that make others feel bad. This is a guiding principle akin to the Golden Rule. 

As he reflects on events shaping his life, Obama pondered What made some movements successful, while others failed. He looked at compromise and wondered when it was acceptable and when it was selling out and how could one know the difference. Each person must consider which principles will guide their relationships and how far they are willing to go to live by those principles. Lastly, how does societal change happen and how can we be sure everyone’s voice is heard? 

On to Chapter Two. 

Prescription Drug Costs

I don’t know if my story applies to many others, but here goes. My husband received a kidney transplant in October 2009. Since that time, he’s been on three different daily doses of anti-rejection drugs. Fortunately, our employer-provided health insurance has covered them and his other medications with very reasonable copays. The highest has been $15 for a month’s supply. Imagine my surprise when last week I was notified by our pharmacy that the copay for one was now $100 for a month’s supply. It’s very shocking when you are on a fixed retirement income and so many other costs are rising. I called our prescription drug provider and was told that as per the agreement, if a month’s supply was under $1000 the copay was $15 maximum but if it exceeds $1000, then the copay becomes $100. His myfortic acid had gone from $967 to $1027, a $50 increase. So, now our copay increased from $15 to $100, an $85 increase. Insane, I told the insurance customer service person. She reminded me of all the years it had only been $15 and said I could be grateful for that.

I called the pharmacy and was told they could try to submit it to Medicare Part B if they had a prescription from his nephrologist listing his diagnosis. So, I called the doctor and requested they send the pharmacy an updated prescription. Imagine my delight and surprise when I got notified by the pharmacy that his prescription was ready to pick up and the copay was ZERO! I’m happy but wondering why this wasn’t done way back when he first started this medication. Oh well, as least it’s covered now and I hope and pray Republicans don’t find a way to cut Medicare in the future as those cuts hurt people in ways the lawmakers can’t even imagine. If any of this resonates with you, please pass it on or comment. Thank you.