Dilemma over deductibles: Costs crippling middle class

Regina LaVarry, of Shreveport, uses mustard and vinegar as home remedies to help manage her high blood pressure. She also takes half of the prescribed dosage of her diabetic medicine to stretch it. Sometimes, she won't take the medication for several days to make it last. Her reason for doing this is the $500 health insurance deductible — which she can't readily afford on an hourly wage of approximately $11 an hour. Add to that co-pays for medication and other out-of-pocket expenses she must pay for health care, LaVarry finds herself choosing between whether to buy medication or pay other bills.