Her husband relied on a number of prescription drugs, which were difficult to fit into their modest budget. All expenditures had to be planned carefully. Trips to the grocery store involved matching coupons with prepared lists. One day she impulsively put a half-gallon of ice cream in her cart. She broke down in tears as she told of the guilt she felt for treating herself to a bowel of ice-cream at the risk of not being able to pay for husband's next prescription drug refill.
Families make Herculean efforts to care for frail and ill loved ones.
Lots of people, mostly women, do make great sacrifices to care for sick and infirm. But at a great price. These are the people who benefit from the Medicaid prescription drug program. Finding a way to stretch the program without cutting benefits is good management.