I have a problem not with this law but with the cost to me and my insurance company, that I will explain in hopes of finding a solution. A brief Background:

I’m a 62 year old female I have documented cases of Arthritis, Sjogrens Syndrome, I also have had a pelvic sling which went very badly. These left me immobile due to swelling and pain, this was for the best part of two years. I was self-medicating with a lot Excedrin to be able to perform the smallest of daily living. My doctor that did the  pelvic sling told me there was nothing else he could do for me. Two years ago my blood count bottomed out and I was hospitalized with only 4000 platelets which was life threatening.

Since that time several wonderful doctors have given me my life back. The medications and the doses were all trial and error to get to this point. I’m building myself back up and enjoying doing things with my children and grandchildren again. I am able to hold down my job now with the Virginia Employment Commission (pay band three.)

This new law that is in affect that states that I have to take a drug test every so often. I do not mind doing this. I took time off from my job and paid for an office visit that I didn’t need. My doctor did the test and it was sent to Labcorp. The test came back as expected. Then I get a bill for the test at the cost of $221.00 for my part of the test and the insurance had to pay the remainder of the $425.00.  I will still need to purchase the Medication. This something that I cannot afford and I certainly hate to go into debt for. I only take one Tramadol or two a day along with the other medications not on your list.

I hope you can see the issue I take with this Law. There are others I feel sure that are on a fixed income for example the elderly, terminally ill, cancer patients etc. that this will impact greatly. Again the elderly and the lower income population will not be able to received proper care.

I would be happy to speak to someone further.

Melissa Messick

lion6255@aol.com