Veteran questions extra billing

To the editor:

I am a veteran of World War II. I have been going to the VA clinic in Cape Girardeau for my medical needs. I have Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

I have Medicare Part B and also carry a supplemental insurance that pays the 20 percent Medicare doesn't pay. Both of these cost me $291 a month.

In late August last year, I went for a blood checkup and to see the doctor, who said my blood pressure was too high. He told me to come back in one week so the nurse could check it again. I went, and my blood pressure was still high. The nurse told the doctor and came back with eight pills and told me how to take them. The doctor wrote a prescription for more pills.

The VA in February billed me $15, saying I did not see the doctor, so Medicare or my supplemental insurance wouldn't pay. I have not paid this bill, because I don't feel like I owe it. I have called the VA in St. Louis, which was no help. I have called U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson's office, which was no help. I have called U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, which was no help.

Now I get a bill that had charge me another $1.82 in interest. This shows you how much our government thinks of us. Need I say more?

SHERMAN WOODS, Burfordville