I had surgery not long ago, so I know how important it is to have quality, reliable health care coverage.
With my Medicare Advantage plan through Humana, my health care expenses are reasonable, and the coverage is great. I have survived cancer, multiple knee surgeries, a hernia, and a brain bleed that sent me on a helicopter to Springfield, Mo. Without reliable medical coverage, I don't know what I would do. The helicopter ride alone was $21,000, but thanks to my Advantage plan, I didn't have to pay anything out of pocket.
Millions of seniors like me might lose this reliability if Congress takes more money from the Advantage program. I fear that my premium will increase, and I worry about having to pay more to see the doctor or to have a prescription filled. Some say that plans will start to drop benefits like dental, vision, and fitness. I don't think that's fair, because this type of comprehensive coverage helps seniors maintain our overall health.
At 84 years of age, I have seen many things in my life. Good health coverage is something all seniors need and worked toward. Those we elect to represent us must ensure that Medicare Advantage is fully funded moving forward. The last thing we need to be worrying about at this stage of our lives is the federal government fooling around with this vital program.
Virgil Hamilton
Rogers
Hogs, Coach Give Back
I was pleasantly surprised to open the Sports Section on Sunday, March 16, and see the outstanding picture of Razorback basketballers Kikko Haydar, Fred Gulley III and Scotty Thurman, director of student-athlete development for the University of Arkansas basketball program. They were participating in the National Salute to Veterans patient activities at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Fayetteville. After reading the story, I realized there was no recognition that the young men had returned from a basketball game at the University of Missouri after 1 a.m. that morning. Not only were Kikko and Fred thoughtful enough to participate in this program of honoring the veterans on Valentine's Day, they still had class to attend as well as basketball practice in the afternoon.
There are five seniors on the Razorback basketball team this year and it is my understanding all are on track to graduate. These two factors -- academic success and extracurricular community responsibility of each individual, are a great credit to Coach Mike Anderson and to the University of Arkansas.
Eddie Bradford
Fayetteville
Commentary on 03/21/2014