Resources for Health Care Assistance
Low Cost Prescriptions Offer Help During Recession
Apr 22, 2009
Health care reform is on the front burner for the Obama administration and the President says it is vital to the successful recovery from this economic crisis. This is due in major part to the fact that among the fastest growing jobs in the U.S., the health care industry captures the lead.
Health Care Reform is Vital to Economic Recovery
When almost all of the manufacturing in the U.S. was allowed to be moved off shore, the services industries became the primary employers in the U.S. As the population grows and ages, and technology in health care improves, the demand for more and better health care continues to increase. This has pushed the health care industry to one of the largest employers in the U.S. today and is projected to be for many years to come.
The skyrocketing costs for health care and who can and cannot receive services has become a huge problem for this industry. This has caused the health care industry to become critically ill. If it isn’t healed, as one of the largest employers in the U.S., if it fails, this economic crisis stands to become a whole lot worse than anyone can imagine.
Health Care is About Saving Lives
Unlike the banking crisis, saving the health care industry is about saving lives. It is also about saving millions of jobs and preserving an industry that offers potentially millions more jobs for the future.
Challenges to individuals in this recession involve access to affordable health care as well as health care coverage. Over 47 million Americans are uninsured and millions more are under insured. As more and more jobs are lost, even changes in COBRA will not assist Americans to keep their health insurance.
Resources for Affordable Health Care
Some of the resources that can help in these times of need include low cost medical clinics and using low cost prescription medication services. Target and Walmart, have offered a large formulary of generic prescription drugs for around $4 for a thirty day supply and $10 for ninety day supplies. Prices may be slightly higher in some states due to state laws.
Low Cost Prescription Formularies
These formularies are available to download. Consumers can take them to their practitioners and discuss using these medications, perhaps at least as temporary substitutions for some of their higher cost prescriptions until the economy improves. Patient care assistance programs can also help with the high cost of medications to those who qualify. (https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php)
A Silver Lining in the Great Recession
One silver lining of this recession is the fact that people are slowing down and taking a close look at their own lives. They are tightening their belts and prioritizing needs over wants.
They are eating more healthy which will help to control weight, lower cholesterol levels and promote a healthier lifestyle. They are getting more exercise just by the mere fact that there is a trend to get up off the couch, away from the computers and TV and go outside.
Staying at home for vacation means spending more quality time with family and friends. It can also mean actually getting some quality sleep and relaxation instead of dealing with jet lag, over eating, and consuming more alcohol. Stress levels can also be reduced by actually accomplishing goals such as house repairs that take a low priority when weekends roll around.
