I might have been dead if Medicare Age of Eligibility was 67 back in June, 2006

[Guest guest]

For several years before my age of eligibility, my PSA level was between 9 and 11 and was rising. The DRE exam found nothing other than an enlarged prostate. This had the county public health nurse practicioner wincing with helpless concern, as the nearby Moffitt Cancer center in Tampa, Florida, required the all so necessary prostate biopsy with pathology report at a cost of over $1500, which was more than one month's early retiree Social Security income. Because no single person under 65 and not disabled cannot get Medicaid, no help for paying for this necessary gateway test was available. I even participated in a clinical trial for a new alpha blocker drug hoping that I could get assistance in paying for the needed test. As soon as I became eligible for Medicare (through a Medicare

Advantage plan), I was able to obtain the needed test with a small co-pay, at which early cancer was found. Surgery was performed in early September, 2006, and my PSA has been unmeasurable since then.

Had I been required to wait another two years, I may have either been dead or saddled with a Stage 3 or Stage 4 condition at substantially increased cost to Medicare and diminution of the quality of life. I would like my District 5 representative, Nugent, look me straight into my eyes and justify that in the name of cutting and capping expenses, why my life is expendible!

Louis Carliner

Masaryktown, FL

email: lcarliner@...