Thomasine Dempsey writes the following in a letter to the Bucks County Courier Times:

I am greatly concerned about a proposal to remove pharmacy services from managed care organizations (as described in your June 5 article).

Removing this service could be a matter of life and death for me and thousands of other Medicaid recipients across Pennsylvania in circumstances like mine.

I have had several bouts with cancer and underwent a total hysterectomy for uterine cancer. I am being treated with an experimental drug, Gleevec, which is covered by Keystone Mercy. I am happy to say my cancer is in remission as a result of using this drug, but I am fearful that the drug will no longer be covered if the state takes over pharmacy benefits.

I also have suffered a heart attack, and I have anxiety disorder and a thyroid condition. I have two stents for the heart condition, take Prozac for the anxiety and use a generic form of Synthroid for the thyroid condition.

My situation may sound extreme, but my case worker tells me there are many others like me, with multiple medical issues.

I am very grateful to Keystone Mercy not only for the medical services it provides, but for the excellent care I receive from my case manager, who helps me coordinate all of my prescriptions. She has also arranged for visiting nurses following my many surgeries. I worry that DPW will not be able to provide the same life-saving service I now receive.

I believe the quality of life for all members will be affected in a non-productive way if pharmacy services are carved-out. I don't know what I would do if it weren't for Keystone Mercy. The people there deserve recognition for their great works and caring attitudes. In this economy, we need them more than ever.

Thomasine Dempsey, Bensalem