Surprisingly, I hadn't even considered the possibility of Planned Parenthood, since I have good insurance, and a prescription plan, and had FINALLY found a doctor I liked about 2 years ago. It's hard enough to find any (ob/gyn) doctor, these days, much less one you really like. Or, maybe I didn't think of it because I have a grown daughter and a grandson. Who ever thinks of grandmothers going to Planned Parenthood? I know I don't, but I may start suggesting it to some of my friends who have also had difficulty finding a doctor. And, if it comes to that, perhaps I'll report back...

In the meantime, I haven't finished investigating the situation, but I'm pretty sure my drug stores have other options, too. However, this particular pill was prescribed for me because of my age and because it is low-dose. I tried the generic early on, but it bothered my stomach, which was the very reason I started BCP in the first place. I had read that they can help with some symptoms of IBD/IBS. That, and a debilitating anemia, were the real factors in deciding to use BCP.

* * * * *

As for the question about the cost increase... I don't know, but $27-plus every three weeks (since I mostly don't take the 4th) seems a bit high to me, since that's supposed to be just the co-pay on my prescription plan. After all, when I started these two years ago, the retail price was $35/month, and the co-pay $15. So, what does my plan cover besides the premium?

Maybe I can afford the increase now, if necessary, but this past year, when my boyfriend had very little income, it would have been difficult.

* * * * *

Wow... I can hardly wait to see what Medicare will have in store for me. I sincerely doubt that it will cover my real needs... like acupuncture.

* * * * *

Broadsheet: are any of you ready for menopause? I know I'm not. My mother died before she got there, and she was in her mid-fifties. It is very peculiar to be in one's early '50's, in a committed relationship and not requiring contraception, but needing BCP anyway, and having no idea for how long. Especially when contraception has become such a political football, and easy access to it is being threatened even as we write and blog.

...is that it is an all too-rare demonstration of what the primary process is really supposed to do... challenge the incumbent. Without such challenges, it is all too easy for an incumbent to become to comfortable with the trappings of his or her office, ignoring the real wishes of their constituents.

In fact, from what I've read, that was the original intention in Connecticut: just get Lieberman to pay attention to his constitutents. Nobody really dreamed it would go so far, at first.

I really hope that the power of the primary challenge spreads like a virus throughout the country. That would really be something to watch!

Instead of sitting home during the primary... because: why bother, after all? perhaps more voters can/could/will be energized and inspired to vote "early," when it really counts, if only they, too, can be presented with someone courageous & resourceful enough to challenge an entrenched incumbent. As everyone has acknowledged during Lamont's campaign, even a good showing (for the underdog! not the incumbent!) is a kind of victory. If only because it makes the incumbent just a little bit less comfortable.