by Brian Bucher—Pennsylvania
I canvassed a Viet Nam veteran who was placed on disability. He had to choose between two health care plans, but he hadn’t been given explanations about the plans. He chose one that covered hospital care, but later found out that the plan he didn’t choose also covers emergency services and doctor’s visits. He cannot switch as the other plan costs too much.
He only receives $1,200.00 a month on disability, but just lost his Medicaid coverage because “he makes too much on disability.”
Tags: Health Care, veterans
by Kim Andrews—Pennsylvania
I was canvassing in an area where I used to work nearby. In the past I worked in a large retail store where I socialized with our frequent customers. Tonight I knocked on a house where one of my old customers actually lived. We used to talk about her two kids who were very sick and who she cares for. Strangely enough, the woman herself is 87 years old and her children are in their sixties. Neither of her children have health care although she herself is covered by Medicare. Her son is a Vietnam vet and he still cannot get proper medical care.
She was excited to see that I was now at her door fighting on these issues and providing her a chance to also join with us. We had gone from having weekly conversations about our health care frustrations to working together through Working America to reach a solution.
Tags: Health Care, Medicare, seniors, veterans
by Tom Lewandowski—Indiana
Tonight I knocked on the door a man in his late 60′s who had trouble walking. I had ignored the “no soliciting” sign on his door explaining I wasn’t selling anything. He walked out the door and sat down on a stool in the driveway as I gave him the rap. He listened, took the clipboard and signed. I asked him if he worked anywhere. He explained he was a retired US Marine Officer. I asked him what his proudest moment was. He said it was on his first tour of duty commanding those fine young American men Viet Nam fighting for what they thought was democracy. By his second tour he realized they were not fighting for democracy or the common good but the rich, the corrupt, and Lyndon Johnson’s ego. He put his hand on my shoulder and wished us the best of luck.
Tags: membership, veterans
