Some are punished for doing the right thing

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, there comes a point where you have to break down and ask for help.

Asking for help isn't bad at all, but when your absolute last resort turns you away it can get aggravating.

Most of the time, my sister doesn't get so much as a cold. She is always the picture of health, often taking care of me while I have dealt with colitis, bronchitis and sinus infections.

Her work doesn't offer insurance, and a full-time cosmetologist just doesn't make that much money in a small community.

Due to costs and her general good health, she never worried too much about getting health insurance, until this week at least.

Grueling pain Sunday night sent her to the hospital. Six hours, a CT Scan, IV's and five prescriptions later, she was told she has a kidney stone and severe UTI.

The nurse suggested she look into Medicaid, but she knew she wouldn't be eligible because of her full-time work schedule.

She wasn't upset she wouldn't be eligible. She was pretty mad when they told her why, though.

"I'm sorry, but we can only help you if you're pregnant or unemployed," the lady told her on the phone.

She was taken aback by the statement, and told the woman so.

"I know this isn't your fault, but you're telling me that since I actually work to support my family, I can't get any help? But if I sat at home all day and do nothing, I could get assistance?" she asked.

The lady apologized for the inconvenience, and ended the conversation quickly.

I have always been one to explain that people who receive assistance aren't all deadbeats, but what does this statement from our government say to those who simply don't want to work?

"Oh, it's cool. You don't want to work? We've got your back."

I realize a lot of people who are unemployed probably lost their jobs unexpectedly, but I personally know several people who just don't want to work and mooch off the government.

My point is, I'm not shooting down those people who have had to seek out help in a time of need. It just doesn't seem fair that while she is doing the best she can at a job she loves, she can't get help in her time of need.

For the time being, she will continue looking into the best Healthcare option for her income level. Although, she is still kind of bitter because of what she heard on the phone the other day.

Sabrina is a staff writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by email at swestfall@gcdailyworld.com or by telephone at 847-4487.