July 9, 2004

By Staff
Medicaid: Wrong direction
Last week was a very disturbing and traumatic week in the lives of more than 65,000 elderly and disabled people in our state. My mother, who is 84 years old, received a letter from Medicaid stating that she will have to being paying for her prescription drugs beginning Aug. 1, because she receives $18 a month more than the Medicaid cut-off amount allows.
She worked her whole life and paid taxes that support the very programs she is now being denied access to programs that allow the elderly to enjoy the quality of life they deserve.
This past Monday, I met with her pharmacist to obtain a cost list of the medications she must take every month. Throughout this last week, I have personally spoken with our local state representatives and state senators. I asked each of them if they could survive on $291 per month.
Although all of them seemed genuinely concerned over this bill, they either didn't understand the implications of passing it, or they were very callous and uncaring with their vote. All but one; District 81 Representative Steve Horne is the only representative in our immediate area who stayed true to his convictions and voted "no" on this bill. I hope everyone will remember this when it is time for re-election.
Even after many requests from members of the state House and Senate, Gov. Barbour refuses to call a special session so this bill can be reviewed. My family supported Haley Barbour in his first election, but his complete disregard and lack of compassion toward the people who have been the cornerstone of this state have made it our prayer that he will only be a one-term governor. I will personally work to see that this happens.
You may think this issue doesn't concern you, but if God is merciful and you are blessed to live a long life, do you want to find yourself faced with living on $291 a month? I know I don't.
Mabel H. Melton
Enterprise
Angels and miracles
My husband had a car wreck on July 1 on Highway 145 South. He went into a gully and the car landed on its top. Somehow he climbed out and reached the top of the hill. I want to thank so many people who were the angels who helped. Some names I found out, others I wish I knew.
There was the older lady who stopped to help and called 911, the neighbors who called and Stephanie Womack, who called me at work and helped my husband. To the black man who stopped and went to get one of my husband's friends. To Metro Ambulance, thanks so much. To Mr. Bobby, thanks for being there. I don't know the volunteer fire departments that helped, but if you were there, thanks.
Thanks to my parents, friends who came to the hospital and all those who called time and time again. We give God all the glory for the miracle that he performed on that day and all the angels who were there.
To the emergency room staff at Rush Foundation Hospital, you were great. I can't remember the name of the nurse, but you were very special and took care of all of us.
Sometimes we need to see the miracle and the angels at work. Thank you, God.
Bill, T.J. and Brittany Pippin
Meridian