My name is Barry Lauritzen and I am a resident of Twin Falls, Idaho. I am a recovery coach and I’m passionate about being of help in my community. 

A few years back, I lost coverage from my Medicare provider without adequate notice. Because of that, I was stuck for a year deciding which medicines I could pay for out of pocket, and which ones I would have to stop taking, or ration. I had to stop taking my antidepressants, which were keeping me stable. I need my antidepressants — because mental health is just as important as physical health. 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t just my mental health that was affected by high medicine costs.

I was forced to let go of one of my blood pressure medicines, Lisinopril. As a man with considerable cranial vascular damage, this was concerning for me. And it took a year before I could afford to get back on my medications. This was an incredibly difficult year that took a great toll on my health, and I wouldn’t wish this hardship upon anyone.

That is why I am speaking out about this issue. Patients deserve to be able to afford the medications they need, and I know I’m not the only one struggling with this issue.