To The Editor:
I understand many people in our great state believe we are spending too much money on health care.  However, I see a need the elderly continually have in the form of drug costs.  My job involves asking elderly people in the community if they have problems affording their medications and many of them are having a hard time.
Sometimes, elderly people get too much Social Security income to get assistance from Medicaid and if they have a Medicare supplement, it does not cover all of their medication cost.  This means they will either have to do without their medications or do without other basic needs.
I understand our leaders decided not to expand Medicaid and accept federal money.  However, I believe we have to attempt to make some kind of solution to the problem facing our elderly population today.  Our lawmakers need to find a way to help our aging population so that we can ensure they have access to medication.  This could be achieved in different ways.  For example, they could make a special Medicaid program with higher income limits for people over 65 with certain conditions or vouchers for medications.
I would like to see our state lawmakers address the issue.  
If we live long enough, we may all be faced with this issue.  
Regardless, we need to do the right thing and stand up for the rights of those whose voices are fading.
Cindy Halcombe
208 N. 4th Ave.
Dillon, SC  29536