Or so says the health plan. Micromanaging healthcare has become the latest fashion for health plan providers (I know that’s what we’re supposed to call them, but let’s face it—they’re insurance companies!).

I know I told you about my running in circles to get my prescription cleared, but now they’re picking on my 76 year-old mom!

I came into her apartment. We said our hellos, and then, almost in tears she tells me: They sent me a letter. They won’t pay for my medicine unless I can prove I’ll die without it.

The letter went on to say that if there were a cheaper alternative that they already cover, they want her to use that. We’d have to ask her doctor to write a letter saying she’d die without the recommended medication.

Well, my mom has cancer. Guess what – she would die without it! Yes, of course there are cheaper alternatives – that research has proven don’t work! Am I supposed to tell my mom, sorry, you have to take this ineffective medication because it’s covered by insurance???!!!!

Where do they find the people who are willing to write these letters? What incentives do they offer them to, in effect, attack ailing senior citizens? What kind of nation are we that we shamelessly punish the aging and ailing?

My mom, by the way, has worked all of her life. From the age of 17, she has either worked for others or run her own affairs. Even now, she has a small consignment business. Is this the reward we can expect after working all of our lives?

You know another interesting part: This health plan is one of those prescription drug plans our president set into motion that was supposed to ‘take care’ of medications for seniors. Our tax dollars subsidize these programs to the hilt. And yet, they pay people to pressure seniors into taking less expensive, ineffective medication. Now I’m going to be sick!