LABRADOR: There to help

I am a 73-year-old Army veteran and receive my health care through the VA’s Veterans Choice program. The idea is to improve service, particularly in rural areas. The program, as you may have heard, has had some growing pains.

Recently, I spent six days in the hospital because of my diabetes and other problems. Upon my release, I was assigned to one doctor, then another, then another. I was having trouble filling my insulin prescription, which calls for four injections per day.

I live alone and was down to a single day’s supply when I made the last of many calls to the VA and TriWest, which manages Veterans Choice for the VA. While I waited for a return call, I decided to phone Congressman Raul Labrador’s office.

A few hours later, after Mr. Labrador’s staff alerted the VA, I received a call from a VA dietitian. The next day I had a doctor’s appointment, where I obtained an immediate short-term supply. Two days later, I received a larger shipment by priority delivery.

I am grateful to Congressman Labrador and the director’s office at the Spokane VA Medical Center for helping me with this life-saving medication. If you ever have trouble with the federal bureaucracy, I recommend calling Labrador at 667-0127.

CHARLES SAXTON

Hayden