There have been times since Richard died that I want to scream. Very loudly, at the top of my lungs. In anger.

Yesterday at work was one of those times.

We are going through our annual process of signing up for benefits for next year. During this period they have various insurance and health care service providers conduct little “benefit fairs” at various locations in the plant. They answer questions, pass out literature and maybe give away junk like tote bags, pens, tire gauges and other promotional materials.

One of the guys came back from one of these with some brochures from a mail-order prescription provider. One of the brochures was about how great generic drugs are. It had a nice little graphic of two identical apples. The apple on the left was the expensive name brand drug. The apple on the right was the wonderful generic medicine. The text explained that the two are exactly the same. The only difference is the price.

That is a TOTAL LIE!

And I have Richard’s grave to prove it.

Yes, generics are cheaper and save money. Yes they are a safe and effective alternative in most cases. But they are NOT exactly the same as the name brand medicine they replace. And it is very irresponsible of the medical community to keep putting out that myth.

No one should have to learn the truth from the medical examiner.

I’m trying hard to not become a bitter old man because of this. But the medical profession isn’t making that easy.