You know, air and others, and I didn’t know why they were rumbling inside my stomach. I knew it was not cold air clashing with hot air causing thunder so I proceeded to my best friend Dr. Ben Aldan at the Saipan Health Clinic. He gave me something to drink and moments later, my stomach was purring like a tame lioness. And my blood pressure was A-OK.
Beaming with pride, I took out my MEDICARE CARD and it was accepted with a minimal charge of $7 only.
Dr. Aldan prescribed other medicines for me to pick up at CHC PHI and gave me a form for blood sample to see if I had any infections in my stomach.
But first let me tell you that doctors have the worst handwriting in the world. I could not read what was written even after turning it upside down.
I drove to PHI but my mind was already working on “How much I was going to be charged?”
Shoot, I can’t believe my two ears when I was told that I had to pay $127 for some pills and a bottle of something.
I gave the pharmacist my trusty MEDICARE CARD but instead of floating on cloud 9, I plummeted down on the floor.
PHI DOES NOT ACCEPT MEDICARE FOR MEDICINES!
I said, hey, I have high options A and B and all that jazz.
The lady remained firm and said, “We do not accept MEDICARE.” (This is the same as Tinian Health Center).
You know me Canda, I gave my best parting shot and said, “You guys must be broke.” I told the pharmacist that I did not want the medicines and left.
The gist of this experience is that Medicare is being deducted bi-weekly from my government pay check and Social Security also deducts Medicare once from my monthly benefits.
There you are Canda, THREE DEDUCTIONS and IT IS NOT WORTH A PLUGGED NICKLE.
So I am begging all of you sitting in your padded chairs at the hall of fame building immersed deeply in happy thoughts to look into this matter.
Call me if any of you found out something even if I had to appear in a public hearing.
I want to know WHY and so do the other people enrolled in this estupido Medicare program that everyone claims is a federal requirement.
I cannot afford another health insurance to protect myself and this also applies to others as unfortunate as I am OK?
Do something meaningful for a change.
Adios for now but I’d be calling you guys next week if you find anything.
Oh, thank you all for paying your last respects to my mother-in-law who passed away on Aug. 10, 2008.
GONZALO Q. SANTOS
Capital Hill, Saipan
