07.02.2009 5:36 pm
Helath care reform? Start with the veterans
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
On July 1, 2009, in a ceremony held before the Cardinal baseball game, Segs4Vets presented veterans from the military Segway devices to assist them with their injuries suffered in Iraq or Afghanistan. These veterans have suffered the loss of arms, legs, or both from their combat experiences making it difficult or more than likely, almost impossible to return to their lives and families with their injuries. In obtaining one of these devices, it helps them become more mobile in adjusting to living with their disability with education or business opportunities and able to take part in the lives of their families and children. This organization, Segs4Vets, relies on contributions from the public or corporations to obtain these devices and train the individuals. From what I understand, there is quite a long list of veterans, over five hundred, waiting to receive a Segway.
I keep seeing advertisements on television from two businesses, The Scooter Store, and Hoveround telling people they will help them obtain a mobile wheel chair through their insurance companies or Medicare and if they are denied their device is free. How these companies are able to do this and what they know about Medicare and the laws governing it making it possible to do business and what determines how some people obtain a mobile wheel chair is another story. Perhaps an investigative one.
A Congressional representative or Senator should introduce a bill making it allowable for veterans requiring a Segway to go through Segs4Vets or Medicare and move along the process to help eliminate the waiting time these veterans have to go through.
President Barack Obama, and I use that term loosely, wants to have a health care plan, well let him start with the veterans.
Any veteran, any age, suffering the loss of their legs and desiring a Segway should be able to obtain one. Don’t make them wait for donations or contributions, make it possible for them to get one now.
Jim Kozlowski
St. Louis
From what I understand, Mr. Kozlowski, and I use that term losely, the las t Bushie budget cut health care for veterans. The GOP has consistently opposed health care monies for veterans while pretending to care for veterans and our troops. Stop yapping and get out of the way of progress for veterans and all Americans!
Dear Ms. Hogan,
I really don’t think you can comprehend what the subject of my letter was about. It’s not about taking away from veterans, it’s about bypassing rules and laws to allow veterans to receive something.
And if you are interested, I am an Army veteran, 1968-1970. What have you ever done for your country?