A Mississippi lawmaker told a woman Tuesday she should earn money for the insulin pump supplies that her 8-year-old daughter needs to survive instead of asking the state for help.

Nicole Nichols told The Clarion-Ledger she was “flabbergasted” by the email from state Rep. Jeffrey Guice, R-Ocean Springs.

Nichols said she emailed all 122 state representatives after calling 23 suppliers without finding one covered by Medicaid and in the approved network for the Medicaid-covered supply company she has used for the last three years.

She wrote, "Is there someone in the legislature that can and will help these children stay healthy? They must have these medications and supplies which administer the medications to stay healthy and, quite honestly, alive!"

Guice's response, which Nichols posted on her Facebook page, said, "I am sorry for your problem. Have you thought about buying the supplies with money that you earn?"

Kaitlan Sudduth, the communications coordinator for the Mississippi Diabetes Foundation told the paper she was “shocked at the lack of compassion” in the lawmaker’s email.

Sudduth said his comment proved that he is uneducated about the dangers of living with the disease.

"One of the goals of the foundation is to educate people about diabetes, and this person is obviously not educated on it," she said. "If someone had an extra $2,000 a month maybe they would pay for it out of pocket, but that's really unrealistic."

Guice issued an apology Tuesday night after initially declining an interview request from The Clarion-Ledger.

"I realize my remarks to Mrs. Nichols were completely insensitive and out of line," Guice said in an emailed statement. "I am sorry and deeply regret my reply. I know nothing about her and her family and replied in knee-jerk fashion. I'd like to think the people of Mississippi and my constituents know that I'm willing to help where I am able."

Nichols said Medicaid paid for her daughter Bella's medication for three years, until the supplier began outsourcing products and shipping six months ago. The subcontractor that now provides the pump supplies and insulin is not covered by Medicaid, she said, so she has been paying more than $2,000 a month.

Bella inherited Type 1 diabetes from Nichols' husband, Nathan. He's a transportation company inventory specialist and also works a second job in a restaurant.

Nichols said they "work their tails off" to make ends meet, but still live "paycheck to paycheck."

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/06/30/state-lawmaker-tells-mississippi-mom-to-buy-her-own-diabetic-supplies-for-daughter.html?intcmp=hpbt4

Of all the dumb, stupid and idiotic things this jerk could have said. This takes the cake. I am ashamed he is a part of my political party. I hope he gets voted out this election cycle.

It's not like state level officials honestly could do anything to help. You can thank Obamacare for jacking up the out of pocket expenses of Medicade. 4 of my dads and 6 of my moms prescriptions are now not covered and they are paying close to $500.00 a month for them ever since he started f**king with our healthcare system!

The approximate yearly total for for MDI is $900.

MDI is taking shots. Less pleasant than using the pump, to be sure, yet less than half the monthly cost for an entire year's worth of ZOMG! LIFE SAVING MEDICATION.

Make the wrong decision,and it will cost you!

http://pjmedia.com/trending/2016/06/29/when-did-it-become-offensive-to-expect-people-to-earn/

In other words,if they use Shots instead of a Pump,they'd save a Heap of Money,like a year's Supply for less than what they pay for an Insulin-pump,and the Husband most likely wouldn't have to work a Second Job!

Or,as they used to say in the Islands;"If you ain't got no Horse,ride Cow"!

This is hilarious.

This stupid jerk is calling people stupid jerks!
That's not right!
He's an a-hole for calling people stupid jerks! That stupid jerk.

Other than that:

"I didn't realize this would come back to bite me."


"I'm sorry she didn't just suck it up and shut up and leave me alone, I'm doing stuff here."


"because I'm a representative. That means I lead these people. When I have to focus on them they're keeping me from doing what I want to do, so they need to STFU."

I'd like to think the people of Mississippi and my constituents know that I'm willing to help where I am able."
"I'd like to stay here, please and thank you."


That makes them average 'mericans.


I think a more accurate saying would be "work smarter, not harder."
But for some people mailing a bunch of representatives to seek alternatives to the financing, without it even occurring to them to seek alternatives to the medicine, is working smarter.

Or, "if you ain't got no horse, ride cow" but only if you know cows exist, some people don't know cows exist but they can find a city bus.

...In general. I don't know what the lady looked into or tried.

Sounds like this foundation should spend time more wisely by helping patients find this medicine they so need instead of bltching abt some state rep.

OK....well:

Welcome to Obamacare....get used to it.