In an article written by Steven Norris for the Associated Press, July 17, 2008, "Improving the nation's healthcare could be accomplished by investing just $10.00 per person per year...invested over five years, the nation could cut health care costs by more than 16 billion dollars annually. The analysis comes from the non-profit Trust for America's Health and a team of public research groups." Of course, other obvious sacrifices have to be responsibly undertaken such as not smoking, better control of dietary consumption, more exercise, etc. So, how much are we willing to do as individuals as opposed to groups with little or no healthcare insurance to reduce the economic budget buster?  I will start with my personal perspective and maybe you will submit yours.

I formally worked with the largest healthcare system in southwest Virginia, specifically Carilion Clinic.  During that time I carried preferred health care insurance via Blue Cross/Blue Shield. My doctor's office was pleased until Carilion Health switched to their own "in house" coverage. My doctor's office was not as pleased as before. I later stepped out on my own and started my business, INFOBUCK.COM, http://infobuck.com/index_1.html  and of course had no health care insurance. My doctor's office continued to work with me on a cash as you go agreement.  I later developed Type 2 diabetes along with hypertension of which I had since my early 40's. Needless to say, I couldn't afford these meds out of pocket and through my business, I found two companies that provided these meds at no charge.  However, one of these meds could only be ordered and received through the doctor's office and not directly by me. The doctor's office told me that they could not provide this service and it was their medical office's policy.  That medical office is Jefferson Internal Medicine in Roanoke. I then had to find a primary care physician whose office could provide me with this vitally needed service and I did via Salem Family Clinic. With the change in my dietary habits, stress reduction and exercise regimen, as well as taking my meds as described, I am living a healthy lifestyle while advancing my business.   As a veteran, I currently receive medical care with the VA as well as needed meds.