Chill Pills

December 9, 2008

Deborah came away from a recent doctor's appointment with two prescriptions: one for a skin cream to treat a mild skin condition, and one for a narcotic sleep aid to treat her insomnia. Which one do you think her insurance company gave her a hard time about filling? The sleeping pills could just as well have been in the candy aisle the way the pharmacist gleefully handed them over. Meanwhile, she's still waiting for the pharmacist, the doctor, and her insurance company to hash out the skin cream situation. Apparently, the cream is sometimes used for cosmetic reasons, and the insurance company doesn't want to get suckered into paying for someone's vanity. Fine, okay, but then why so laissez-faire about getting her hooked on goofballs?

Deborah has been on the phone with each one of them several times already, as each one passes the buck. "We need more information," they all say. "We'll call you back." But they never do, leaving her very irritated.

"Relax," I told her. "Take a chill pill."